BTAL vs QQQ
BTAL vs QQQ
AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. BTAL offers more diversification with 399 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BTAL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.40% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $306M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.20% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 402 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -15.16% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | -27.18% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -10.60% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.47% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | AGFiQ | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2011 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BTAL vs QQQ Performance
AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund ETF (BTAL) is a ETF from AGFiQ and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BTAL returned -27.18% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, BTAL is down 15.16% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, BTAL compounded at -10.60% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -4.47% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs -3.76%. 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 14.9% for BTAL. 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 -52.7% for BTAL 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 -0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BTAL charges 1.40% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $140 vs $18 annually, a gap of $122 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BTAL currently yields 3.20% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
BTAL and QQQ share 43 holdings out of 459 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BTAL | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MU | -0.49% | 4.67% | 5.16% |
| AMZN | -0.31% | 4.26% | 4.57% |
| TSLA | -0.27% | 3.16% | 3.43% |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| INTC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NFLX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LRCX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LIN:IE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings BTAL 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, BTAL or QQQ?
BTAL has an expense ratio of 1.40% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $122 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BTAL or QQQ?
Over the past year BTAL returned -27.18% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BTAL annualized -3.76% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BTAL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.9% for BTAL. Worst drawdown: BTAL -52.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BTAL and QQQ?
BTAL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BTAL and QQQ?
BTAL and QQQ share 43 common holdings with a 5.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 459 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BTAL or QQQ?
BTAL yields 3.20% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so BTAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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