KDEF vs QQQ
PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KDEF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $100M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.56% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.72% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.82% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 58.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | PLUS ETF | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 5, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
KDEF vs QQQ Performance
PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF (KDEF) is a ETF from PLUS ETF and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year KDEF returned +16.82% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, KDEF is down 0.72% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KDEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 58.2% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -48.6% for KDEF 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KDEF charges 0.65% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $18 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KDEF currently yields 5.56% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
KDEF and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 123 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, KDEF or QQQ?
KDEF has an expense ratio of 0.65% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KDEF or QQQ?
Over the past year KDEF returned +16.82% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KDEF annualized +70.77% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KDEF or QQQ?
KDEF has been the more volatile fund at 58.2% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: KDEF -48.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both KDEF and QQQ?
KDEF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KDEF and QQQ?
KDEF and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 123 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KDEF or QQQ?
KDEF yields 5.56% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so KDEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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