BUL vs QQQ
Pacer US Cash Cows Growth ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $132M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.22% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +15.79% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.37% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.08% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.28% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 2, 2019 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BUL vs QQQ Performance
Pacer US Cash Cows Growth ETF (BUL) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BUL returned +24.37% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, BUL is up 15.79% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, BUL compounded at +21.08% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.28% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, BUL has the edge at +14.47% annualized vs +13.10%. 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 19.8% for BUL. 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 -37.3% for BUL 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUL charges 0.60% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $18 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUL currently yields 0.22% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
BUL and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 153 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BUL | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BKNG | 5.49% | 0.60% | 4.89% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUL or QQQ?
BUL has an expense ratio of 0.60% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUL or QQQ?
Over the past year BUL returned +24.37% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BUL annualized +14.47% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.8% for BUL. Worst drawdown: BUL -37.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BUL and QQQ?
BUL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUL and QQQ?
BUL and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 153 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUL or QQQ?
BUL yields 0.22% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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