CPAI vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

CPAI (Counterpoint Quantitative Equity ETF) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CPAI is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Counterpoint Funds, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. CPAI is actively managed, while QQQ is passively managed. Over the past year, CPAI returned 49.88% vs 43.30% for QQQ. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CPAI charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

CPAI vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Counterpoint Quantitative Equity ETF (CPAI) 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, CPAI achieves a 29.80% return, which is significantly higher than QQQ's 21.62% return.

CPAI

• 1D: 0.66%
• 1M: 9.81%
• YTD: 29.80%
• 6M: 31.62%
• 1Y: 49.88%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QQQ

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: 10.68%
• YTD: 21.62%
• 6M: 20.27%
• 1Y: 43.30%
• 3Y*: 28.89%
• 5Y*: 18.43%
• 10Y*: 21.97%

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

CPAI vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CPAI Counterpoint Quantitative Equity ETF	29.80%	17.79%	28.37%	6.69%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	21.62%	20.77%	25.58%	5.32%

Correlation

The correlation between CPAI and QQQ is 0.66, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 30, 2023	0.68

The correlation between CPAI and QQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

CPAI vs. QQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CPAI	QQQ
Technology	45.4%	53.8%
Healthcare	16.0%	4.2%
Consumer Defensive	9.5%	7.7%
Communication Services	7.9%	15.8%
Industrials	5.7%	2.8%
Financial Services	4.3%	0.2%
Consumer Cyclical	4.2%	12.3%
Energy	3.7%	0.6%
Basic Materials	3.3%	1.1%
Real Estate	-	0.1%
Utilities	-	1.4%

Return for Risk

CPAI vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

CPAI

CPAI Risk / Return Rank: 82
CPAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
CPAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
CPAI Omega Ratio Rank: 77
CPAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
CPAI Martin Ratio Rank: 84

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 77
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 77
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

CPAI vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Counterpoint Quantitative Equity ETF (CPAI) 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.

	CPAI	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.78	2.73	+0.05
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.62	3.55	+0.08
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.47	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.83	3.71	+1.12
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	17.69	14.30	+3.39
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CPAI vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CPAI Sharpe Ratio is 2.78, which is comparable to the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CPAI 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CPAI	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.78	2.73	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.99	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.84	0.41	+1.43

Drawdowns

CPAI vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CPAI drawdown since its inception was -21.46%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CPAI and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	CPAI	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.46%	-82.97%	+61.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.48%	-11.96%	+1.48%
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	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.98%	-32.79%	+29.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.87%	3.11%	-0.24%

Volatility

CPAI vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

Counterpoint Quantitative Equity ETF (CPAI) has a higher volatility of 4.89% compared to Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) at 4.48%. This indicates that CPAI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CPAI	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.89%	4.48%	+0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.37%	12.11%	+2.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.03%	15.95%	+2.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.16%	22.39%	-3.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.16%	22.30%	-3.14%

CPAI vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

CPAI has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

CPAI vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

CPAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.69%, more than QQQ's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CPAI Counterpoint Quantitative Equity ETF	0.69%	0.89%	0.41%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.38%	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 CPAI and QQQ in my portfolio?

CPAI and QQQ have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CPAI or QQQ?

CPAI has higher volatility (4.89%) compared to QQQ (4.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CPAI dropped -21.46% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which ETF is better, CPAI or QQQ?

On 1-year performance, CPAI leads with 49.88% vs 43.30% for QQQ. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, QQQ has been the lower-risk option at 4.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CPAI or QQQ?

Over the 1-year period, CPAI has performed better with a 49.88% return vs 43.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CPAI or QQQ?

QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for CPAI.

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

CPAI has the higher dividend yield at 0.69%, compared with 0.38% for QQQ.

What is the main difference between CPAI and QQQ?

CPAI is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while QQQ is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: Counterpoint Funds and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for CPAI and 0.18% for QQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CPAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.78 vs 2.73), 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.