COWG vs QQQ
Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders 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 | COWG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.50% | +16.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.35% | +25.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.39% | +25.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 21, 2022 | Mar 10, 1999 |
COWG vs QQQ Performance
Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (COWG) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year COWG returned +13.35% while QQQ returned +25.22%. Year to date, COWG is up 11.50% versus a gain of 16.19% for QQQ.
Over three years, COWG compounded at +22.39% per year against +25.47% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, COWG has the edge at +20.67% annualized vs +13.01%. 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 15.6% for COWG. 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 -23.6% for COWG 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COWG charges 0.49% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $18 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COWG currently yields 0.37% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
COWG and QQQ share 35 holdings out of 168 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, COWG or QQQ?
COWG has an expense ratio of 0.49% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COWG or QQQ?
Over the past year COWG returned +13.35% vs +25.22% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), COWG annualized +20.67% vs +13.01% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COWG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.6% for COWG. Worst drawdown: COWG -23.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both COWG and QQQ?
COWG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between COWG and QQQ?
COWG and QQQ share 35 common holdings with a 19.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 168 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COWG or QQQ?
COWG yields 0.37% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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