CSTK vs QQQ
Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity 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 | CSTK | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $182M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.14% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +15.56% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.05% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 7, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CSTK vs QQQ Performance
Invesco Comstock Contrarian Equity ETF (CSTK) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CSTK returned +23.05% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, CSTK is up 15.56% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 10.8% for CSTK. 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 -9.3% for CSTK 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CSTK charges 0.35% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $18 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CSTK currently yields 2.14% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CSTK and QQQ share 12 holdings out of 144 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CSTK or QQQ?
CSTK has an expense ratio of 0.35% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CSTK or QQQ?
Over the past year CSTK returned +23.05% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CSTK annualized +27.47% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CSTK or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.8% for CSTK. Worst drawdown: CSTK -9.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CSTK and QQQ?
CSTK and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CSTK and QQQ?
CSTK and QQQ share 12 common holdings with a 15.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 144 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CSTK or QQQ?
CSTK yields 2.14% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so CSTK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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