QQQ vs UJAN
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Innovator US Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - January
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | UJAN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $269M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +17.46% | +6.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.02% | +11.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.51% | +11.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | +8.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 6.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -13.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 31, 2018 |
QQQ vs UJAN Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Innovator US Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - January (UJAN) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% while UJAN returned +11.91%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.46% versus a gain of 6.28% for UJAN.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.51% per year against +11.85% for UJAN; over five years the annualized figures are +15.12% and +8.11% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +8.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 6.2% for UJAN. 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 -13.7% for UJAN. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while UJAN charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $79 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.00% for UJAN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or UJAN?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while UJAN charges 0.79%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or UJAN?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% vs +11.91% for UJAN, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), QQQ annualized +13.08% vs +8.23% for UJAN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or UJAN?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.2% for UJAN. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs UJAN -13.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and UJAN?
QQQ and UJAN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or UJAN?
QQQ yields 0.41% while UJAN yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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