CQQQ vs VYM
Invesco China Technology ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CQQQ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.2B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.27% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 178 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -9.94% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.79% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.96% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.84% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2009 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CQQQ vs VYM Performance
Invesco China Technology ETF (CQQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CQQQ returned +0.79% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, CQQQ is down 9.94% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, CQQQ compounded at +9.96% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -4.84% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +5.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CQQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.4% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -74.0% for CQQQ and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CQQQ charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CQQQ currently yields 2.27% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CQQQ and VYM share 0 holdings out of 778 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, CQQQ or VYM?
CQQQ has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CQQQ or VYM?
Over the past year CQQQ returned +0.79% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), CQQQ annualized +5.08% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CQQQ or VYM?
CQQQ has been the more volatile fund at 28.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CQQQ -74.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CQQQ and VYM?
CQQQ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CQQQ and VYM?
CQQQ and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 778 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CQQQ or VYM?
CQQQ yields 2.27% while VYM yields 2.24%, so CQQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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