ECON vs QQQ
Columbia Research Enhanced Emerging Economies ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. ECON delivered stronger 1-year returns. ECON offers more diversification with 247 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ECON | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $340M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.35% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 257 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +24.38% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +41.38% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.73% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.90% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 14, 2010 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ECON vs QQQ Performance
Columbia Research Enhanced Emerging Economies ETF (ECON) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year ECON returned +41.38% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, ECON is up 24.38% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, ECON compounded at +20.73% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +7.90% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +4.47%. 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 17.3% for ECON. 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 -45.4% for ECON 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ECON charges 0.47% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $18 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ECON currently yields 1.35% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ECON and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 349 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ECON | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDD | 1.34% | 0.25% | 1.09% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ECON or QQQ?
ECON has an expense ratio of 0.47% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ECON or QQQ?
Over the past year ECON returned +41.38% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so ECON leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ECON annualized +4.47% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ECON or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.3% for ECON. Worst drawdown: ECON -45.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ECON and QQQ?
ECON and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ECON and QQQ?
ECON and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 349 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ECON or QQQ?
ECON yields 1.35% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so ECON currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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