QQQ vs UPAR
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs UPAR Ultra Risk Parity ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. UPAR offers more diversification with 140 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | UPAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.68% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $59M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.43% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 140 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +7.81% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +20.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +12.91% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 19.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -39.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Rpar ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 3, 2022 |
QQQ vs UPAR Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and UPAR Ultra Risk Parity ETF (UPAR) is a ETF from Rpar ETF. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while UPAR returned +20.51%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 7.81% for UPAR.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +12.91% for UPAR. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs -0.67%. 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 19.6% for UPAR. 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 -39.0% for UPAR. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while UPAR charges 0.68%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $68 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 3.43% for UPAR.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and UPAR share 1 holdings out of 230 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in UPAR | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| FANG | 0.23% | 0.19% | 0.04% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or UPAR?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while UPAR charges 0.68%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or UPAR?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +20.51% for UPAR, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs -0.67% for UPAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or UPAR?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.6% for UPAR. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs UPAR -39.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and UPAR?
QQQ and UPAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and UPAR?
QQQ and UPAR share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 230 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or UPAR?
QQQ yields 0.44% while UPAR yields 3.43%, so UPAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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