CCIF vs QQQ
Carlyle Credit Income Fund 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 | CCIF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 13.82% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $56M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 38.71% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -31.25% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | -35.20% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -14.30% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -9.08% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Carlyle Credit Income Fund | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 30, 2011 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CCIF vs QQQ Performance
Carlyle Credit Income Fund (CCIF) is a ETF from Carlyle Credit Income Fund and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CCIF returned -35.20% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, CCIF is down 31.25% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, CCIF compounded at -14.30% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -9.08% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs -2.81%. 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 18.0% for CCIF. 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 -55.6% for CCIF 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CCIF charges 13.82% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $1382 vs $18 annually, a gap of $1364 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CCIF currently yields 38.71% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CCIF or QQQ?
CCIF has an expense ratio of 13.82% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1364 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CCIF or QQQ?
Over the past year CCIF returned -35.20% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), CCIF annualized -2.81% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CCIF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.0% for CCIF. Worst drawdown: CCIF -55.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CCIF and QQQ?
CCIF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, CCIF or QQQ?
CCIF yields 38.71% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so CCIF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.