APLU vs QQQ
APLU vs QQQ
Allspring Core Plus ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. APLU offers more diversification with 247 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | APLU | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $421M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.42% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 549 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.68% | +12.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.60% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Allspring Global Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
APLU vs QQQ Performance
Allspring Core Plus ETF (APLU) is a ETF from Allspring Global Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year APLU returned +2.60% while QQQ returned +22.35%. Year to date, APLU is down 0.68% versus a gain of 12.48% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 3.4% for APLU. 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 -3.2% for APLU 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
APLU charges 0.31% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $18 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, APLU currently yields 5.42% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
APLU and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 350 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, APLU or QQQ?
APLU has an expense ratio of 0.31% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, APLU or QQQ?
Over the past year APLU returned +2.60% vs +22.35% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), APLU annualized +2.68% vs +12.91% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, APLU or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 3.4% for APLU. Worst drawdown: APLU -3.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both APLU and QQQ?
APLU and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between APLU and QQQ?
APLU and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 350 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, APLU or QQQ?
APLU yields 5.42% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so APLU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.