HQGO vs QQQ
Hartford US Quality Growth ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. HQGO offers more diversification with 164 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HQGO | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.34% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $51M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.46% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 164 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.07% | +16.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.56% | +25.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
HQGO vs QQQ Performance
Hartford US Quality Growth ETF (HQGO) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year HQGO returned +19.56% while QQQ returned +25.22%. Year to date, HQGO is up 12.07% versus a gain of 16.19% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 12.9% for HQGO. 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 -20.9% for HQGO 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
HQGO charges 0.34% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $34 vs $18 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HQGO currently yields 0.46% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
HQGO and QQQ share 45 holdings out of 219 unique holdings combined, representing a 47.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HQGO or QQQ?
HQGO has an expense ratio of 0.34% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HQGO or QQQ?
Over the past year HQGO returned +19.56% vs +25.22% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), HQGO annualized +21.83% vs +13.01% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HQGO or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.9% for HQGO. Worst drawdown: HQGO -20.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both HQGO and QQQ?
HQGO 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 HQGO and QQQ?
HQGO and QQQ share 45 common holdings with a 47.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 219 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HQGO or QQQ?
HQGO yields 0.46% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so HQGO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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