AMZA vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

AMZA (InfraCap MLP ETF) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AMZA is a MLPs fund actively managed by Virtus Investment Partners, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. AMZA is actively managed, while QQQ is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, AMZA returned 4.65%/yr vs 22.01%/yr for QQQ. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AMZA charges 2.01%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

AMZA vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in InfraCap MLP ETF (AMZA) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AMZA achieves a 18.51% return, which is significantly higher than QQQ's 15.95% return. Over the past 10 years, AMZA has underperformed QQQ with an annualized return of 4.65%, while QQQ has yielded a comparatively higher 22.01% annualized return.

AMZA

• 1D: -3.41%
• 1M: -6.40%
• YTD: 18.51%
• 6M: 18.21%
• 1Y: 14.09%
• 3Y*: 21.29%
• 5Y*: 18.59%
• 10Y*: 4.65%

QQQ

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: -0.86%
• YTD: 15.95%
• 6M: 14.16%
• 1Y: 32.28%
• 3Y*: 25.87%
• 5Y*: 15.94%
• 10Y*: 22.01%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AMZA vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AMZA InfraCap MLP ETF	18.51%	0.17%	30.90%	23.35%	33.20%	51.22%	-49.25%	6.27%	-26.78%	-6.90%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	15.95%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	27.42%	48.62%	38.96%	-0.13%	32.66%

Correlation

The correlation between AMZA and QQQ is -0.10, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.10
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.13
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 2, 2014	0.31

The correlation between AMZA and QQQ shifts across timeframes, from -0.10 (1 year) to 0.31 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

AMZA vs. QQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AMZA	QQQ
Energy	99.8%	0.5%
Utilities	0.2%	1.2%
Basic Materials	-	1.0%
Communication Services	-	14.3%
Consumer Cyclical	-	11.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	6.4%
Financial Services	-	0.2%
Healthcare	-	3.7%
Industrials	-	2.6%
Real Estate	-	0.1%
Technology	-	58.7%

Return for Risk

AMZA vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AMZA

AMZA Risk / Return Rank: 24
AMZA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
AMZA Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
AMZA Omega Ratio Rank: 22
AMZA Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
AMZA Martin Ratio Rank: 24

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 59
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 58
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 61

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AMZA vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for InfraCap MLP ETF (AMZA) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AMZA	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.78	1.81	-1.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.19	2.41	-1.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.32	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.16	2.71	-1.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.84	10.01	-7.17

AMZA vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AMZA Sharpe Ratio is 0.78, which is lower than the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AMZA and QQQ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AMZA vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AMZA drawdown since its inception was -91.46%, which is greater than QQQ's maximum drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AMZA and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	AMZA	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-91.46%	-82.97%	-8.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.16%	-11.96%	-0.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.56%	-22.77%	+4.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.15%	-35.12%	+9.97%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-86.84%	-35.12%	-51.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.92%	-4.66%	-8.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-44.84%	-32.72%	-12.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.97%	3.23%	+1.74%

Volatility

AMZA vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for InfraCap MLP ETF (AMZA) is 6.68%, while Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) has a volatility of 9.17%. This indicates that AMZA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AMZA	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.68%	9.17%	-2.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.02%	14.54%	-0.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.15%	17.95%	+0.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.71%	22.69%	+3.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	37.21%	22.41%	+14.80%

AMZA vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

AMZA has a 2.01% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

AMZA vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

AMZA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.45%, more than QQQ's 0.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AMZA InfraCap MLP ETF	8.45%	8.81%	7.29%	9.40%	7.65%	10.24%	22.13%	19.47%	34.46%	24.16%	18.36%	18.21%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.43%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AMZA and QQQ in my portfolio?

AMZA and QQQ have a correlation of -0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AMZA or QQQ?

QQQ has higher volatility (9.17%) compared to AMZA (6.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AMZA dropped -91.46% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which ETF is better, AMZA or QQQ?

On 10-year performance, QQQ leads with 22.01% vs 4.65% for AMZA. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, AMZA has been the lower-risk option at 6.68%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AMZA or QQQ?

Over the 10-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 22.01% return vs 4.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AMZA or QQQ?

QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 2.01% for AMZA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AMZA or QQQ?

AMZA has the higher dividend yield at 8.45%, compared with 0.43% for QQQ.

What is the main difference between AMZA and QQQ?

AMZA is categorized as MLPs, while QQQ is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: Virtus Investment Partners and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 2.01% for AMZA and 0.18% for QQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 0.78), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.