QQQ vs XBJA
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Innovator US Equity Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - January
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 | XBJA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $89M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +7.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +12.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +11.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 10.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -17.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 31, 2021 |
QQQ vs XBJA Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Innovator US Equity Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - January (XBJA) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while XBJA returned +12.15%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 7.68% for XBJA.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +11.81% for XBJA. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +7.35%. 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 10.0% for XBJA. 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 -17.4% for XBJA. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while XBJA 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 XBJA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or XBJA?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XBJA 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 XBJA?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +12.15% for XBJA, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +7.35% for XBJA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XBJA?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.0% for XBJA. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XBJA -17.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XBJA?
QQQ and XBJA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XBJA?
QQQ yields 0.44% while XBJA yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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