BILZ vs QQQ
PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active Exchange-Traded Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
BILZ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BILZ | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.14% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $982M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.01% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.24% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.79% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.59% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 21, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BILZ vs QQQ Performance
PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active Exchange-Traded Fund (BILZ) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BILZ returned +3.79% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, BILZ is up 2.24% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, BILZ compounded at +4.59% per year against +25.75% for QQQ. Across the full 3-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +4.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 0.3% for BILZ. 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 -0.5% for BILZ and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BILZ charges 0.14% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $14 vs $18 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BILZ currently yields 4.01% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
BILZ and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 103 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BILZ or QQQ?
BILZ has an expense ratio of 0.14% while QQQ charges 0.18%. BILZ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BILZ or QQQ?
Over the past year BILZ returned +3.79% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BILZ annualized +4.45% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BILZ or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 0.3% for BILZ. Worst drawdown: BILZ -0.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BILZ and QQQ?
BILZ and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BILZ and QQQ?
BILZ and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BILZ or QQQ?
BILZ yields 4.01% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so BILZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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