ADME vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. ADME offers more diversification with 161 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: ADME

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricADMEQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.79%0.18%
AUM$289M$455.8B
Dividend Yield0.35%0.41%
Holdings154108
YTD Return+11.14%+17.27%
1Y Return+17.55%+28.64%
3Y Return (annualized)+16.20%+24.88%
5Y Return (annualized)+7.51%+14.86%
Volatility (annualized)13.5%30.6%
Max Drawdown-28.7%-83.0%
Fund FamilyAptus ETFsInvesco (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 8, 2016Mar 10, 1999

ADME vs QQQ Performance

Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF (ADME) is a ETF from Aptus ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year ADME returned +17.55% while QQQ returned +28.64%. Year to date, ADME is up 11.14% versus a gain of 17.27% for QQQ.

Over three years, ADME compounded at +16.20% per year against +24.88% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +7.51% and +14.86% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +8.66%. 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 13.5% for ADME. 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 -28.7% for ADME and -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ADME charges 0.79% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $18 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ADME currently yields 0.35% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

51.3%overlap

ADME and QQQ share 56 holdings out of 208 unique holdings combined, representing a 51.3% weight overlap.

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

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in ADMEWeight in QQQDifference
NVDA7.49%7.88%0.39%
AAPL7.76%7.46%0.30%
MSFT4.54%4.65%0.11%
GOOGProProPro
AMZNProProPro
MUProProPro
AVGOProProPro
AMDProProPro
METAProProPro
TSLAProProPro
See all 10 holdings ADME 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, ADME or QQQ?

ADME has an expense ratio of 0.79% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ADME or QQQ?

Over the past year ADME returned +17.55% vs +28.64% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ADME annualized +8.66% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ADME or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.5% for ADME. Worst drawdown: ADME -28.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both ADME and QQQ?

ADME and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ADME and QQQ?

ADME and QQQ share 56 common holdings with a 51.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 208 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ADME or QQQ?

ADME yields 0.35% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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