FOF vs QQQ

FOF vs QQQ
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Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFOFQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.95%0.18%
AUM-$496.3B
Dividend Yield7.76%0.44%
Holdings106108
YTD Return+7.95%+17.89%
1Y Return+11.72%+26.35%
3Y Return (annualized)+17.45%+26.02%
5Y Return (annualized)+6.97%+14.59%
Volatility (annualized)17.9%30.6%
Max Drawdown-66.8%-83.0%
Fund FamilyCohen & Steers FundsInvesco (US)
CategoryAllocation/BalancedEquity
InceptionNov 20, 2006Mar 10, 1999

FOF vs QQQ Performance

Cohen & Steers Closed-End Opportunity Fund Inc. (FOF) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year FOF returned +11.72% while QQQ returned +26.35%. Year to date, FOF is up 7.95% versus a gain of 17.89% for QQQ.

Over three years, FOF compounded at +17.45% per year against +26.02% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +6.97% and +14.59% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.07% annualized vs +0.40%. 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 17.9% for FOF. 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 -66.8% for FOF 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FOF charges 0.95% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $18 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FOF currently yields 7.76% against 0.44% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

0.2%overlap

FOF and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 192 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in FOFWeight in QQQDifference
ALAB0.20%0.24%0.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, FOF or QQQ?

FOF has an expense ratio of 0.95% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FOF or QQQ?

Over the past year FOF returned +11.72% vs +26.35% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FOF annualized +0.40% vs +13.07% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FOF or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.9% for FOF. Worst drawdown: FOF -66.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both FOF and QQQ?

FOF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between FOF and QQQ?

FOF and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 192 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FOF or QQQ?

FOF yields 7.76% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FOF currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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