QQQ vs XBAP
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Innovator US Equity Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - April
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 | XBAP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $131M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 9 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +10.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +14.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +13.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +9.74% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 8.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -14.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 31, 2021 |
QQQ vs XBAP Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Innovator US Equity Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - April (XBAP) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while XBAP returned +14.31%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 10.23% for XBAP.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +13.83% for XBAP; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +9.74% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +9.97%. 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 8.7% for XBAP. 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 -14.6% for XBAP. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while XBAP 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 0.44% against 0.00% for XBAP.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and XBAP 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 XBAP?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XBAP 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 XBAP?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +14.31% for XBAP, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +9.97% for XBAP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XBAP?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 8.7% for XBAP. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XBAP -14.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XBAP?
QQQ and XBAP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and XBAP?
QQQ and XBAP share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XBAP?
QQQ yields 0.44% while XBAP yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.