AAEQ vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

AAEQ has a lower expense ratio. AAEQ offers more diversification with 345 holdings.

Lower Fees: AAEQHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: AAEQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAAEQQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%0.18%
AUM$491M$455.8B
Dividend Yield0.09%0.41%
Holdings355108
YTD Return+12.03%+18.20%
1Y Return-+27.63%
3Y Return (annualized)-+25.54%
5Y Return (annualized)-+15.12%
Volatility (annualized)-30.6%
Max Drawdown-10.3%-83.0%
Fund FamilyAlpha ArchitectInvesco (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionDec 9, 2025Mar 10, 1999

AAEQ vs QQQ Performance

Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Year to date, AAEQ is up 12.03% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -10.3% for AAEQ and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

AAEQ charges 0.09% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $18 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAEQ currently yields 0.09% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

54.1%overlap

AAEQ and QQQ share 82 holdings out of 366 unique holdings combined, representing a 54.1% weight overlap.

High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in AAEQWeight in QQQDifference
AAPL8.62%7.46%1.16%
NVDA7.47%7.88%0.41%
MSFT5.04%4.65%0.39%
AMZNProProPro
GOOGLProProPro
MUProProPro
AVGOProProPro
GOOGProProPro
METAProProPro
AMDProProPro
See all 10 holdings AAEQ shares with QQQ
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, AAEQ or QQQ?

AAEQ has an expense ratio of 0.09% while QQQ charges 0.18%. AAEQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.

What is the holdings overlap between AAEQ and QQQ?

AAEQ and QQQ share 82 common holdings with a 54.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 366 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, AAEQ or QQQ?

AAEQ yields 0.09% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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