QQQ vs TRIO
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs MC Trio Equity Buffered ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | TRIO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.70% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $124M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 3 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +7.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +3.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 9.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -11.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | McCarthy & Cox | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 5, 2025 |
QQQ vs TRIO Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and MC Trio Equity Buffered ETF (TRIO) is a ETF from McCarthy & Cox. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while TRIO returned +3.39%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 7.67% for TRIO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 9.2% for TRIO. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -83.0% for QQQ and -11.1% for TRIO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while TRIO charges 0.70%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $70 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.00% for TRIO.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and TRIO share 0 holdings out of 103 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or TRIO?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while TRIO charges 0.70%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or TRIO?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +3.39% for TRIO, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +7.31% for TRIO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or TRIO?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 9.2% for TRIO. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs TRIO -11.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and TRIO?
QQQ and TRIO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and TRIO?
QQQ and TRIO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or TRIO?
QQQ yields 0.44% while TRIO yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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