DRSK vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

DRSK (Aptus Defined Risk ETF) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DRSK is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Aptus Capital Advisors, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. DRSK is actively managed, while QQQ is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DRSK returned 3.13%/yr vs 17.86%/yr for QQQ. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DRSK charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

DRSK vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK) 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, DRSK achieves a 4.10% return, which is significantly lower than QQQ's 20.71% return.

DRSK

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 2.76%
• YTD: 4.10%
• 6M: 2.54%
• 1Y: 8.04%
• 3Y*: 9.30%
• 5Y*: 3.13%
• 10Y*: —

QQQ

• 1D: -0.48%
• 1M: 8.66%
• YTD: 20.71%
• 6M: 19.19%
• 1Y: 40.74%
• 3Y*: 28.54%
• 5Y*: 17.86%
• 10Y*: 21.84%

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

DRSK vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DRSK Aptus Defined Risk ETF	4.10%	7.67%	12.50%	2.08%	-9.57%	0.88%	13.80%	12.64%	2.40%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	20.71%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	27.42%	48.62%	38.96%	-14.86%

Correlation

The correlation between DRSK and QQQ is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 9, 2018	0.51

The correlation between DRSK and QQQ shifts across timeframes, from 0.51 (all time) to 0.63 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DRSK vs. QQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DRSK	QQQ
Technology	35.6%	53.8%
Financial Services	11.8%	0.2%
Communication Services	11.2%	15.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	12.3%
Healthcare	8.5%	4.2%
Industrials	8.3%	2.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	7.7%
Energy	3.5%	0.6%
Utilities	2.4%	1.4%
Real Estate	1.9%	0.1%
Basic Materials	1.8%	1.1%

Return for Risk

DRSK vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

DRSK

DRSK Risk / Return Rank: 26
DRSK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
DRSK Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
DRSK Omega Ratio Rank: 26
DRSK Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
DRSK Martin Ratio Rank: 23

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 74
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 75
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

DRSK vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK) 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.

	DRSK	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.98	2.57	-1.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.53	3.37	-1.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.44	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.12	3.42	-2.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.89	13.14	-10.26
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DRSK vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DRSK Sharpe Ratio is 0.98, which is lower than the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DRSK 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

	DRSK	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98	2.57	-1.59
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43	0.80	-0.38
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.98	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.81	0.41	+0.40

Drawdowns

DRSK vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DRSK drawdown since its inception was -19.87%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DRSK and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	DRSK	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.87%	-82.97%	+63.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.20%	-11.96%	+4.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.60%	-22.77%	+13.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.87%	-35.12%	+15.25%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.91%	-0.74%	-0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.21%	-32.78%	+28.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.79%	3.11%	-0.32%

Volatility

DRSK vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK) is 2.97%, while Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) has a volatility of 4.51%. This indicates that DRSK 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

	DRSK	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.97%	4.51%	-1.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.19%	12.10%	-6.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.26%	15.94%	-7.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.39%	22.37%	-14.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.06%	22.29%	-15.23%

DRSK vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

DRSK has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

DRSK vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

DRSK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.61%, more than QQQ's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DRSK Aptus Defined Risk ETF	3.61%	3.67%	3.31%	3.57%	1.93%	2.64%	5.69%	3.04%	2.62%	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 DRSK and QQQ in my portfolio?

DRSK and QQQ have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DRSK or QQQ?

QQQ has higher volatility (4.51%) compared to DRSK (2.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DRSK dropped -19.87% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which ETF is better, DRSK or QQQ?

On 5-year performance, QQQ leads with 17.86% vs 3.13% for DRSK. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, DRSK has been the lower-risk option at 2.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DRSK or QQQ?

Over the 5-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 17.86% return vs 3.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DRSK or QQQ?

QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DRSK.

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

DRSK has the higher dividend yield at 3.61%, compared with 0.38% for QQQ.

What is the main difference between DRSK and QQQ?

DRSK is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while QQQ is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: Aptus Capital Advisors and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for DRSK and 0.18% for QQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.57 vs 0.98), 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.