Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCUSDQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.81%0.18%
AUM$11M$455.8B
Dividend Yield13.50%0.41%
Holdings39108
YTD Return+3.33%+18.20%
1Y Return+3.82%+27.63%
3Y Return (annualized)+6.84%+25.54%
5Y Return (annualized)-+15.12%
Volatility (annualized)3.0%30.6%
Max Drawdown-5.4%-83.0%
Fund FamilyCrossingBridgeInvesco (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionSep 20, 2021Mar 10, 1999

CUSD vs QQQ Performance

CrossingBridge Ultra-Short Duration ETF (CUSD) is a ETF from CrossingBridge and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CUSD returned +3.82% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, CUSD is up 3.33% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.

Over three years, CUSD compounded at +6.84% per year against +25.54% for QQQ. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +5.93%. 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 3.0% for CUSD. 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 -5.4% for CUSD 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 0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CUSD charges 0.81% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $81 vs $18 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CUSD currently yields 13.50% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

CUSD and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 138 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, CUSD or QQQ?

CUSD has an expense ratio of 0.81% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CUSD or QQQ?

Over the past year CUSD returned +3.82% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), CUSD annualized +5.93% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CUSD or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 3.0% for CUSD. Worst drawdown: CUSD -5.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both CUSD and QQQ?

CUSD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between CUSD and QQQ?

CUSD and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 138 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CUSD or QQQ?

CUSD yields 13.50% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so CUSD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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