BUYW vs YQQQ
Main BuyWrite ETF vs YieldMax Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF
Which is better, BUYW or YQQQ?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
BUYW has a lower expense ratio. BUYW led over 1Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.71, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUYW | YQQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.99%Best | 1.11% |
| AUM | $1.5B | $26M |
| Dividend Yield | 5.97% | 29.67% |
| Holdings | 44 | 26 |
| YTD Return | +2.17%Best | -0.89% |
| 1Y Return | +3.56%Best | +0.35% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.50% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.3%Best | 15.3% |
| Max Drawdown | -9.4%Best | -29.1% |
| $10,000 over 2.2 years | $11,396Best | $8,589 |
| Fund Family | Main Management Fund Advisors, LLC | YieldMax ETF |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Option Writing | Option Writing |
| Inception | Dec 29, 2015 | Aug 14, 2024 |
Not shown on this pair: 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 15, 2024 to Oct 14, 2026 (2.2 years).
BUYW vs YQQQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 2.2 years both funds cover.
BUYW vs YQQQ Performance
Main BuyWrite ETF (BUYW) is an ETF from Main Management Fund Advisors, LLC and YieldMax Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF (YQQQ) is an ETF from YieldMax ETF. Over the past year BUYW returned +3.56% while YQQQ returned +0.35%. Year to date, BUYW is up 2.17% versus a loss of 0.89% for YQQQ.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YQQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.3% for BUYW. 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 -9.4% for BUYW and -29.1% for YQQQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.71. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUYW charges 0.99% per year while YQQQ charges 1.11%. On a $10,000 position that is $99 vs $111 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUYW currently yields 5.97% against 29.67% for YQQQ.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 9 holdings in BUYW and 2 in YQQQ, totalling 115.1% and 17.4% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 9 positions we hold weights for in BUYW and 2 in YQQQ, against full books of 44 and 26.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BUYW and YQQQ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUYW or YQQQ?
BUYW has an expense ratio of 0.99% while YQQQ charges 1.11%. BUYW is the cheaper option, by $12 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BUYW or YQQQ?
Over the past year BUYW returned +3.56% vs +0.35% for YQQQ, so BUYW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BUYW annualized +6.12% vs -6.68% for YQQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BUYW or YQQQ?
YQQQ has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.3% for BUYW. Worst drawdown: BUYW -9.4% vs YQQQ -29.1%.
Should I hold both BUYW and YQQQ?
BUYW and YQQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.71, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUYW or YQQQ?
BUYW yields 5.97% while YQQQ yields 29.67%, so YQQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is YQQQ better than BUYW?
BUYW has a lower expense ratio. BUYW led over 1Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.71, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.