CSMD vs QQQ
Congress SMid Growth 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 | CSMD | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $496M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 48 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +8.80% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.26% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.82% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Congress Asset Management Company | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 22, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CSMD vs QQQ Performance
Congress SMid Growth ETF (CSMD) is a ETF from Congress Asset Management Company and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CSMD returned +8.26% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, CSMD is up 8.80% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, CSMD compounded at +11.82% per year against +25.75% for QQQ. Across the full 3-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +11.82%. 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 18.7% for CSMD. 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 -22.5% for CSMD 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CSMD charges 0.68% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $18 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CSMD currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CSMD 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, CSMD or QQQ?
CSMD has an expense ratio of 0.68% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CSMD or QQQ?
Over the past year CSMD returned +8.26% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CSMD annualized +11.82% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CSMD or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.7% for CSMD. Worst drawdown: CSMD -22.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CSMD and QQQ?
CSMD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CSMD and QQQ?
CSMD and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 149 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CSMD or QQQ?
CSMD yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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