HERD vs QQQ
Pacer Cash Cows Fund of Funds ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. HERD delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HERD | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $104M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.73% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +18.60% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.99% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.78% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.04% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2019 | Mar 10, 1999 |
HERD vs QQQ Performance
Pacer Cash Cows Fund of Funds ETF (HERD) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year HERD returned +28.99% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, HERD is up 18.60% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, HERD compounded at +16.78% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.04% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, HERD has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs +13.14%. 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 18.3% for HERD. 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 -39.4% for HERD 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HERD charges 0.74% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $18 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HERD currently yields 2.73% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
HERD and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 108 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, HERD or QQQ?
HERD has an expense ratio of 0.74% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HERD or QQQ?
Over the past year HERD returned +28.99% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so HERD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), HERD annualized +13.51% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HERD or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.3% for HERD. Worst drawdown: HERD -39.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both HERD and QQQ?
HERD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HERD and QQQ?
HERD and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 108 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HERD or QQQ?
HERD yields 2.73% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so HERD 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.