PAPI vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. PAPI offers more diversification with 190 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: PAPI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPAPIQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.29%0.18%
AUM$442M$455.8B
Dividend Yield7.52%0.41%
Holdings194108
YTD Return+11.53%+18.20%
1Y Return+18.24%+27.63%
3Y Return (annualized)-+25.54%
5Y Return (annualized)-+15.12%
Volatility (annualized)10.2%30.6%
Max Drawdown-14.3%-83.0%
Fund FamilyParametricInvesco (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 16, 2023Mar 10, 1999

PAPI vs QQQ Performance

Parametric Equity Premium Income ETF (PAPI) is a ETF from Parametric and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PAPI returned +18.24% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, PAPI is up 11.53% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 10.2% for PAPI. 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 -14.3% for PAPI 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 -0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PAPI charges 0.29% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $18 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PAPI currently yields 7.52% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

8.7%overlap

PAPI and QQQ share 20 holdings out of 273 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.7% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in PAPIWeight in QQQDifference
MSFT0.45%4.65%4.20%
GOOGL0.67%3.29%2.62%
CSCO0.78%2.08%1.30%
COSTProProPro
TXNProProPro
LIN:IEProProPro
ADIProProPro
QCOMProProPro
PEPProProPro
GILDProProPro
See all 10 holdings PAPI shares with QQQ
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PAPI or QQQ?

PAPI has an expense ratio of 0.29% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PAPI or QQQ?

Over the past year PAPI returned +18.24% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), PAPI annualized +11.91% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PAPI or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.2% for PAPI. Worst drawdown: PAPI -14.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both PAPI and QQQ?

PAPI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PAPI and QQQ?

PAPI and QQQ share 20 common holdings with a 8.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 273 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PAPI or QQQ?

PAPI yields 7.52% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so PAPI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →