AOR vs QQQ
AOR vs QQQ
iShares Core 60/40 Balanced Allocation ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
AOR has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AOR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3.6B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.47% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +8.73% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.29% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.02% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.02% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 4, 2008 | Mar 10, 1999 |
AOR vs QQQ Performance
iShares Core 60/40 Balanced Allocation ETF (AOR) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year AOR returned +16.29% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, AOR is up 8.73% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, AOR compounded at +14.02% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +7.02% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +7.03%. 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 10.1% for AOR. 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 -25.0% for AOR 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AOR charges 0.15% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $18 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AOR currently yields 2.47% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
AOR and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 111 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, AOR or QQQ?
AOR has an expense ratio of 0.15% while QQQ charges 0.18%. AOR is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AOR or QQQ?
Over the past year AOR returned +16.29% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), AOR annualized +7.03% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AOR or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.1% for AOR. Worst drawdown: AOR -25.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both AOR and QQQ?
AOR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AOR and QQQ?
AOR and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 111 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AOR or QQQ?
AOR yields 2.47% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so AOR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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