CALF vs QQQ
Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. CALF delivered stronger 1-year returns. CALF offers more diversification with 202 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CALF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.12% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 202 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +29.10% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.06% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.18% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.32% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2017 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CALF vs QQQ Performance
Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF (CALF) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CALF returned +38.06% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, CALF is up 29.10% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, CALF compounded at +12.18% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +7.32% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +10.95%. 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 23.4% for CALF. 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 -47.6% for CALF 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CALF charges 0.59% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $18 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CALF currently yields 1.12% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CALF and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 303 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, CALF or QQQ?
CALF has an expense ratio of 0.59% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CALF or QQQ?
Over the past year CALF returned +38.06% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so CALF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), CALF annualized +10.95% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CALF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 23.4% for CALF. Worst drawdown: CALF -47.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CALF and QQQ?
CALF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CALF and QQQ?
CALF and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 303 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CALF or QQQ?
CALF yields 1.12% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so CALF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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