KMID vs QQQ
Virtus KAR Mid-Cap 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 | KMID | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $47M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.11% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.32% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.59% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 15, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
KMID vs QQQ Performance
Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF (KMID) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year KMID returned +1.59% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, KMID is up 2.32% 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 12.9% for KMID. 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 -18.9% for KMID 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KMID charges 0.80% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $18 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KMID currently yields 0.11% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
KMID and QQQ share 3 holdings out of 125 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KMID or QQQ?
KMID has an expense ratio of 0.80% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KMID or QQQ?
Over the past year KMID returned +1.59% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KMID annualized +0.11% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KMID or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.9% for KMID. Worst drawdown: KMID -18.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both KMID and QQQ?
KMID and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KMID and QQQ?
KMID and QQQ share 3 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 125 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KMID or QQQ?
KMID yields 0.11% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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