EQTY vs QQQ
Kovitz Core 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EQTY | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.99% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.74% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.60% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.58% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Kovitz Investment Group | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 28, 2011 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EQTY vs QQQ Performance
Kovitz Core Equity ETF (EQTY) is a ETF from Kovitz Investment Group and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year EQTY returned +15.60% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, EQTY is up 10.74% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, EQTY compounded at +16.58% per year against +25.79% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, EQTY has the edge at +18.11% annualized vs +13.10%. 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 13.1% for EQTY. 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 -17.3% for EQTY 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EQTY charges 0.99% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $99 vs $18 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EQTY currently yields 0.02% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EQTY and QQQ share 14 holdings out of 140 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EQTY or QQQ?
EQTY has an expense ratio of 0.99% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EQTY or QQQ?
Over the past year EQTY returned +15.60% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), EQTY annualized +18.11% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EQTY or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.1% for EQTY. Worst drawdown: EQTY -17.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EQTY and QQQ?
EQTY and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EQTY and QQQ?
EQTY and QQQ share 14 common holdings with a 22.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 140 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EQTY or QQQ?
EQTY yields 0.02% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.