MEDX vs QQQ
Horizon Kinetics Medical ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. MEDX delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MEDX | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $17M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.17% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +13.12% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.51% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.12% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Horizon Kinetics LLC | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 27, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MEDX vs QQQ Performance
Horizon Kinetics Medical ETF (MEDX) is a ETF from Horizon Kinetics LLC and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MEDX returned +32.51% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, MEDX is up 13.12% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, MEDX compounded at +11.12% per year against +25.96% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +8.50%. 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 14.7% for MEDX. 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 -21.6% for MEDX 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 0.29. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MEDX charges 0.85% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $18 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEDX currently yields 1.17% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MEDX and QQQ share 4 holdings out of 129 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MEDX or QQQ?
MEDX has an expense ratio of 0.85% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEDX or QQQ?
Over the past year MEDX returned +32.51% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so MEDX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MEDX annualized +8.50% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEDX or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.7% for MEDX. Worst drawdown: MEDX -21.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MEDX and QQQ?
MEDX and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.29, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MEDX and QQQ?
MEDX and QQQ share 4 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 129 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEDX or QQQ?
MEDX yields 1.17% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so MEDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.