PAXS vs QQQ
PIMCO Access Income Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. PAXS offers more diversification with 443 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PAXS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.09% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $694M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.25% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 443 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +0.05% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.20% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.20% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2022 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PAXS vs QQQ Performance
PIMCO Access Income Fund (PAXS) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PAXS returned +1.20% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, PAXS is up 0.05% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, PAXS compounded at +12.20% per year against +25.96% for QQQ. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +4.14%. 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 16.1% for PAXS. 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 -22.3% for PAXS 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PAXS charges 2.09% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $209 vs $18 annually, a gap of $191 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PAXS currently yields 12.25% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PAXS and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 111 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, PAXS or QQQ?
PAXS has an expense ratio of 2.09% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $191 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PAXS or QQQ?
Over the past year PAXS returned +1.20% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PAXS annualized +4.14% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PAXS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.1% for PAXS. Worst drawdown: PAXS -22.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PAXS and QQQ?
PAXS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PAXS and QQQ?
PAXS and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 111 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PAXS or QQQ?
PAXS yields 12.25% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so PAXS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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