QQQ vs UPSD
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF
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 | UPSD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $114M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.68% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 103 | |
| YTD Return | +17.85% | +13.06% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.45% | +20.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.07% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.16% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 14.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -23.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Aptus ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Nov 20, 2024 |
QQQ vs UPSD Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF (UPSD) is a ETF from Aptus ETFs. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.45% while UPSD returned +20.43%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.85% versus a gain of 13.06% for UPSD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 14.4% for UPSD. 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 -23.9% for UPSD. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while UPSD 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 0.68% for UPSD.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and UPSD share 28 holdings out of 175 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or UPSD?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while UPSD 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 UPSD?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.45% vs +20.43% for UPSD, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.09% vs +11.54% for UPSD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or UPSD?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.4% for UPSD. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs UPSD -23.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and UPSD?
QQQ and UPSD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and UPSD?
QQQ and UPSD share 28 common holdings with a 30.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 175 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or UPSD?
QQQ yields 0.41% while UPSD yields 0.68%, so UPSD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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