CEW vs QQQ
WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy 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 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CEW | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $18M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.38% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +4.26% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.75% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.69% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.22% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 6, 2009 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CEW vs QQQ Performance
WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy Fund (CEW) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CEW returned +8.75% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, CEW is up 4.26% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, CEW compounded at +7.69% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +4.22% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +1.32%. 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 7.8% for CEW. 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 -27.9% for CEW 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CEW charges 0.55% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $18 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEW currently yields 2.38% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CEW and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 103 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, CEW or QQQ?
CEW has an expense ratio of 0.55% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CEW or QQQ?
Over the past year CEW returned +8.75% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), CEW annualized +1.32% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CEW or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 7.8% for CEW. Worst drawdown: CEW -27.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CEW and QQQ?
CEW and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CEW and QQQ?
CEW and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CEW or QQQ?
CEW yields 2.38% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so CEW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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