CBSE vs QQQ
Clough Select Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. CBSE delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CBSE | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.86% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $53M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.26% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +5.78% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +47.62% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.66% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Changebridge Capital | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CBSE vs QQQ Performance
Clough Select Equity ETF (CBSE) is a ETF from Changebridge Capital and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CBSE returned +47.62% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, CBSE is up 5.78% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, CBSE compounded at +12.66% per year against +26.25% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, CBSE has the edge at +14.85% annualized vs +13.15%. 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 22.2% for CBSE. 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 -36.3% for CBSE 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CBSE charges 0.86% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $86 vs $18 annually, a gap of $68 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CBSE currently yields 0.26% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CBSE and QQQ share 9 holdings out of 132 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CBSE or QQQ?
CBSE has an expense ratio of 0.86% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $68 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CBSE or QQQ?
Over the past year CBSE returned +47.62% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so CBSE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), CBSE annualized +14.85% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CBSE or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 22.2% for CBSE. Worst drawdown: CBSE -36.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CBSE and QQQ?
CBSE and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CBSE and QQQ?
CBSE and QQQ share 9 common holdings with a 6.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 132 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CBSE or QQQ?
CBSE yields 0.26% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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