CORP vs QQQ
Pimco Investment Grade Corporate Bond Index Exchange-Traded Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. CORP offers more diversification with 1,470 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CORP | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.41% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.48% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 1,470 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +0.23% | +17.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.76% | +26.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.06% | +26.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.37% | +15.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2010 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CORP vs QQQ Performance
Pimco Investment Grade Corporate Bond Index Exchange-Traded Fund (CORP) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CORP returned +2.76% while QQQ returned +26.39%. Year to date, CORP is up 0.23% versus a gain of 17.07% for QQQ.
Over three years, CORP compounded at +6.06% per year against +26.08% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +0.37% and +15.18% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.05% annualized vs +1.08%. 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 6.1% for CORP. 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 -21.5% for CORP 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CORP charges 0.41% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $41 vs $18 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CORP currently yields 4.48% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CORP and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 1286 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, CORP or QQQ?
CORP has an expense ratio of 0.41% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CORP or QQQ?
Over the past year CORP returned +2.76% vs +26.39% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CORP annualized +1.08% vs +13.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CORP or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.1% for CORP. Worst drawdown: CORP -21.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CORP and QQQ?
CORP and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CORP and QQQ?
CORP and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1286 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CORP or QQQ?
CORP yields 4.48% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so CORP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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