MRAD vs QQQ
SmartETFs Advertising and Marketing Technology ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Which is better, MRAD or QQQ?
All Cap Blend against Large Cap Growth.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y and the full window.
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 | MRAD | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.18%Best |
| AUM | $771,986.96 | $506.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.42% |
| Holdings | 31 | 321 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.7% | 20.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -64.3% | -35.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.8 years | $6,115 | $15,836Best |
| Fund Family | SmartETFs | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | All Cap Blend | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Dec 31, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 712 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. MRAD has data through Nov 1, 2024 and QQQ through Oct 14, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.8 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 31, 2020 to Nov 1, 2024 (3.8 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MRAD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.7% compared with 20.4% for QQQ. 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 -64.3% for MRAD and -35.1% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MRAD charges 0.68% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $18 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MRAD currently yields 0.00% against 0.42% for QQQ.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MRAD and QQQ 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, MRAD or QQQ?
MRAD has an expense ratio of 0.68% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $50 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, MRAD or QQQ?
MRAD has been the more volatile fund at 24.7% annualized versus 20.4% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: MRAD -64.3% vs QQQ -35.1%.
Should I hold both MRAD and QQQ?
MRAD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, MRAD or QQQ?
MRAD yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.42%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QQQ better than MRAD?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.