QQQ vs XTJA
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Innovator US Equity Accelerated Plus ETF - January
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 | XTJA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $21M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +17.46% | +9.99% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.02% | +15.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.51% | +14.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 13.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -26.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 31, 2021 |
QQQ vs XTJA Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Innovator US Equity Accelerated Plus ETF - January (XTJA) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% while XTJA returned +15.79%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.46% versus a gain of 9.99% for XTJA.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.51% per year against +14.59% for XTJA. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +7.57%. 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 13.8% for XTJA. 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 -26.2% for XTJA. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while XTJA 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 0.00% for XTJA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or XTJA?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XTJA 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 XTJA?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% vs +15.79% for XTJA, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.08% vs +7.57% for XTJA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XTJA?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.8% for XTJA. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XTJA -26.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XTJA?
QQQ and XTJA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XTJA?
QQQ yields 0.41% while XTJA yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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