HWAY vs QQQ
Themes US Infrastructure ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. HWAY delivered stronger 1-year returns. HWAY offers more diversification with 197 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HWAY | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $4M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 197 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +20.56% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.28% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Themes ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 11, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
HWAY vs QQQ Performance
Themes US Infrastructure ETF (HWAY) is a ETF from Themes ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year HWAY returned +28.28% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, HWAY is up 20.56% 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 21.0% for HWAY. 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 -25.8% for HWAY 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HWAY charges 0.29% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $18 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HWAY currently yields 1.05% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HWAY or QQQ?
HWAY has an expense ratio of 0.29% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HWAY or QQQ?
Over the past year HWAY returned +28.28% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so HWAY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), HWAY annualized +25.42% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HWAY or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 21.0% for HWAY. Worst drawdown: HWAY -25.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both HWAY and QQQ?
HWAY and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HWAY and QQQ?
HWAY and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 199 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HWAY or QQQ?
HWAY yields 1.05% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so HWAY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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