HGRO vs QQQ
Hedgeye Quality Growth 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 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HGRO | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $129M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.07% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +6.84% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.26% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Hedgeye Asset Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 10, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
HGRO vs QQQ Performance
Hedgeye Quality Growth ETF (HGRO) is a ETF from Hedgeye Asset Management and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year HGRO returned +16.26% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, HGRO is up 6.84% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 10.7% for HGRO. 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 -7.6% for HGRO 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HGRO charges 0.70% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $18 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HGRO currently yields 0.07% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
HGRO and QQQ share 14 holdings out of 136 unique holdings combined, representing a 34.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HGRO or QQQ?
HGRO has an expense ratio of 0.70% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HGRO or QQQ?
Over the past year HGRO returned +16.26% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), HGRO annualized +17.85% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HGRO or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.7% for HGRO. Worst drawdown: HGRO -7.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both HGRO and QQQ?
HGRO and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between HGRO and QQQ?
HGRO and QQQ share 14 common holdings with a 34.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 136 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HGRO or QQQ?
HGRO yields 0.07% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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