QQQ vs YMAX
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs YieldMax Universe Fund of Option Income ETF
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 | YMAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 1.33% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $393M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 78.13% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 28 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +3.06% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +1.81% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 20.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -26.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | YieldMax ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 16, 2024 |
QQQ vs YMAX Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and YieldMax Universe Fund of Option Income ETF (YMAX) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while YMAX returned +1.81%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 3.06% for YMAX.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 20.2% for YMAX. 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 -26.1% for YMAX. 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 YMAX charges 1.33%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $133 annually, a gap of $115 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 78.13% for YMAX.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and YMAX share 0 holdings out of 129 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 YMAX?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while YMAX charges 1.33%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $115 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or YMAX?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +1.81% for YMAX, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +13.59% for YMAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or YMAX?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.2% for YMAX. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs YMAX -26.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and YMAX?
QQQ and YMAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and YMAX?
QQQ and YMAX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 129 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or YMAX?
QQQ yields 0.44% while YMAX yields 78.13%, so YMAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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