QQQ vs USAF

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQUSAFWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%0.89%
AUM$455.8B$18M
Dividend Yield0.41%2.45%
Holdings10871
YTD Return+18.31%+5.23%
1Y Return+25.37%+9.54%
3Y Return (annualized)+25.79%-
5Y Return (annualized)+15.20%-
Volatility (annualized)30.6%4.5%
Max Drawdown-83.0%-4.5%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Atlas Capital Team
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 10, 1999Nov 19, 2024

QQQ vs USAF Performance

Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Atlas America Fund ETF (USAF) is a ETF from Atlas Capital Team. Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% while USAF returned +9.54%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.31% versus a gain of 5.23% for USAF.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 4.5% for USAF. 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 -4.5% for USAF. 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 0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQQ charges 0.18% per year while USAF charges 0.89%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $89 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 2.45% for USAF.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

QQQ and USAF share 0 holdings out of 165 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 USAF?

QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while USAF charges 0.89%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QQQ or USAF?

Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% vs +9.54% for USAF, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.10% vs +8.55% for USAF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQQ or USAF?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.5% for USAF. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs USAF -4.5%.

Should I hold both QQQ and USAF?

QQQ and USAF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and USAF?

QQQ and USAF share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 165 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or USAF?

QQQ yields 0.41% while USAF yields 2.45%, so USAF currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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