MID vs QQQ
American Century Mid Cap Growth Impact 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 | MID | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $100M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.15% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +5.76% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.70% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.48% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.08% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MID vs QQQ Performance
American Century Mid Cap Growth Impact ETF (MID) is a ETF from American Century Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MID returned +4.70% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, MID is up 5.76% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, MID compounded at +13.48% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +3.08% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +9.64%. 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 20.5% for MID. 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 -40.1% for MID 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MID charges 0.45% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $18 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MID currently yields 0.15% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MID and QQQ share 6 holdings out of 131 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MID or QQQ?
MID has an expense ratio of 0.45% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MID or QQQ?
Over the past year MID returned +4.70% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), MID annualized +9.64% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MID or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.5% for MID. Worst drawdown: MID -40.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MID and QQQ?
MID and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MID and QQQ?
MID and QQQ share 6 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 131 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MID or QQQ?
MID yields 0.15% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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