AVUQ vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AVUQ (Avantis U.S. Quality ETF) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AVUQ is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Avantis, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. AVUQ is actively managed, while QQQ is passively managed. Over the past year, AVUQ returned 24.50% vs 34.88% for QQQ. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AVUQ charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

AVUQ vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis U.S. Quality ETF (AVUQ) 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, AVUQ achieves a 7.35% return, which is significantly lower than QQQ's 16.45% return.

AVUQ

• 1D: -1.77%
• 1M: -2.27%
• YTD: 7.35%
• 6M: 6.08%
• 1Y: 24.50%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QQQ

• 1D: -3.29%
• 1M: -0.43%
• YTD: 16.45%
• 6M: 14.99%
• 1Y: 34.88%
• 3Y*: 26.05%
• 5Y*: 16.01%
• 10Y*: 22.07%

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

AVUQ vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AVUQ Avantis U.S. Quality ETF	7.35%	21.84%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	16.45%	27.28%

Correlation

The correlation between AVUQ and QQQ is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 27, 2025	0.95

The correlation between AVUQ and QQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

AVUQ vs. QQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVUQ	QQQ
Technology	48.7%	58.7%
Consumer Cyclical	14.2%	11.4%
Communication Services	11.8%	14.3%
Industrials	7.6%	2.6%
Financial Services	5.4%	0.2%
Healthcare	5.4%	3.7%
Consumer Defensive	2.9%	6.4%
Energy	2.2%	0.5%
Basic Materials	1.2%	1.0%
Utilities	0.7%	1.2%
Real Estate	0.1%	0.1%

Return for Risk

AVUQ vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVUQ

AVUQ Risk / Return Rank: 45
AVUQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
AVUQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
AVUQ Omega Ratio Rank: 43
AVUQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
AVUQ Martin Ratio Rank: 50

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 59
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 58
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

AVUQ vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis U.S. Quality ETF (AVUQ) 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.

	AVUQ	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	1.95	-0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.10	2.57	-0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.35	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.12	2.93	-0.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.13	10.86	-2.74

AVUQ vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVUQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is comparable to the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVUQ 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

AVUQ vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVUQ drawdown since its inception was -12.35%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVUQ and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVUQ	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.35%	-82.97%	+70.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.61%	-11.96%	+0.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.77%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.12%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.42%	-4.25%	-0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.17%	-32.73%	+30.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.02%	3.22%	-0.20%

Volatility

AVUQ vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Avantis U.S. Quality ETF (AVUQ) is 5.97%, while Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) has a volatility of 9.17%. This indicates that AVUQ 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

	AVUQ	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.97%	9.17%	-3.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.59%	14.57%	-1.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.14%	17.96%	-1.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.67%	22.69%	-3.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.67%	22.42%	-2.75%

AVUQ vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVUQ has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

AVUQ vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

AVUQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.46%, more than QQQ's 0.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVUQ Avantis U.S. Quality ETF	0.46%	0.32%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 AVUQ and QQQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, AVUQ and QQQ move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, AVUQ or QQQ?

QQQ has higher volatility (9.17%) compared to AVUQ (5.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVUQ dropped -12.35% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which ETF is better, AVUQ or QQQ?

On 1-year performance, QQQ leads with 34.88% vs 24.50% for AVUQ. On fees, AVUQ is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, AVUQ has been the lower-risk option at 5.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVUQ or QQQ?

Over the 1-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 34.88% return vs 24.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVUQ or QQQ?

AVUQ is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.18% for QQQ.

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

AVUQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.46%, compared with 0.43% for QQQ.

What is the main difference between AVUQ and QQQ?

AVUQ is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while QQQ is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AVUQ and 0.18% for QQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.53), 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.