LCR vs QQQ
Leuthold Core 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 | LCR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.83% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $69M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.32% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 36 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +1.46% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.81% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.53% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.58% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Leuthold Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 3, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
LCR vs QQQ Performance
Leuthold Core ETF (LCR) is a ETF from Leuthold Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year LCR returned +10.81% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, LCR is up 1.46% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, LCR compounded at +5.53% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +7.58% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +7.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 10.1% for LCR. 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 -17.4% for LCR 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LCR charges 0.83% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $83 vs $18 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LCR currently yields 1.32% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
LCR and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 136 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, LCR or QQQ?
LCR has an expense ratio of 0.83% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LCR or QQQ?
Over the past year LCR returned +10.81% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), LCR annualized +7.80% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LCR or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.1% for LCR. Worst drawdown: LCR -17.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both LCR and QQQ?
LCR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LCR and QQQ?
LCR and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 136 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LCR or QQQ?
LCR yields 1.32% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so LCR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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