AIO vs QQQ
AIO vs QQQ
Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
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 | AIO | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.47% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $973M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.94% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +25.62% | +17.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.30% | +28.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.91% | +24.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.28% | +14.86% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 2019 | Mar 10, 1999 |
AIO vs QQQ Performance
Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund (AIO) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year AIO returned +21.30% while QQQ returned +28.64%. Year to date, AIO is up 25.62% versus a gain of 17.27% for QQQ.
Over three years, AIO compounded at +24.91% per year against +24.88% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.28% and +14.86% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AIO has the edge at +14.52% annualized vs +13.08%. 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 22.0% for AIO. 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 -45.2% for AIO 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIO charges 1.47% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $147 vs $18 annually, a gap of $129 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AIO currently yields 9.94% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
AIO and QQQ share 15 holdings out of 173 unique holdings combined, representing a 18.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AIO | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 5.39% | 7.88% | 2.49% |
| MSFT | 1.28% | 4.65% | 3.37% |
| AVGO | 2.63% | 2.91% | 0.28% |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LRCX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MCHP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings AIO shares with QQQ Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AIO or QQQ?
AIO has an expense ratio of 1.47% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $129 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AIO or QQQ?
Over the past year AIO returned +21.30% vs +28.64% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AIO annualized +14.52% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIO or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 22.0% for AIO. Worst drawdown: AIO -45.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both AIO and QQQ?
AIO and QQQ 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 AIO and QQQ?
AIO and QQQ share 15 common holdings with a 18.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 173 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIO or QQQ?
AIO yields 9.94% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so AIO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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