PCEF vs QQQ
Invesco CEF Income Composite ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. PCEF offers more diversification with 107 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PCEF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.71% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $796M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.61% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 110 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +7.80% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.21% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.29% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.88% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 19, 2010 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PCEF vs QQQ Performance
Invesco CEF Income Composite ETF (PCEF) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PCEF returned +11.21% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, PCEF is up 7.80% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, PCEF compounded at +13.29% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +4.88% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +1.52%. 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 11.6% for PCEF. 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 -46.0% for PCEF 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCEF charges 2.71% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $271 vs $18 annually, a gap of $253 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCEF currently yields 7.61% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PCEF and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 210 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, PCEF or QQQ?
PCEF has an expense ratio of 2.71% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $253 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCEF or QQQ?
Over the past year PCEF returned +11.21% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), PCEF annualized +1.52% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCEF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 11.6% for PCEF. Worst drawdown: PCEF -46.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PCEF and QQQ?
PCEF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCEF and QQQ?
PCEF and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 210 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCEF or QQQ?
PCEF yields 7.61% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so PCEF 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.