CEFZ vs QQQ
RiverNorth Active Income 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 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CEFZ | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.82% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $42M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +1.26% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.53% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | RiverNorth | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2006 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CEFZ vs QQQ Performance
RiverNorth Active Income ETF (CEFZ) is a ETF from RiverNorth and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CEFZ returned +7.53% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, CEFZ is up 1.26% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 9.3% for CEFZ. 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 -8.3% for CEFZ 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CEFZ charges 2.82% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $282 vs $18 annually, a gap of $264 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEFZ currently yields 11.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CEFZ and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 149 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, CEFZ or QQQ?
CEFZ has an expense ratio of 2.82% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $264 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CEFZ or QQQ?
Over the past year CEFZ returned +7.53% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CEFZ annualized +7.98% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CEFZ or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 9.3% for CEFZ. Worst drawdown: CEFZ -8.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CEFZ and QQQ?
CEFZ and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CEFZ and QQQ?
CEFZ and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 149 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CEFZ or QQQ?
CEFZ yields 11.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so CEFZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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