PCEM vs QQQ
Polen Capital Emerging Markets ex-China Growth 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 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PCEM | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +4.05% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.55% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Polen Capital | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 10, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PCEM vs QQQ Performance
Polen Capital Emerging Markets ex-China Growth ETF (PCEM) is a ETF from Polen Capital and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PCEM returned +20.55% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, PCEM is up 4.05% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 15.5% for PCEM. 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 -19.9% for PCEM 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCEM charges 1.00% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $18 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCEM currently yields 0.34% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PCEM and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 136 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PCEM | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MELI | 3.64% | 0.43% | 3.21% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PCEM or QQQ?
PCEM has an expense ratio of 1.00% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCEM or QQQ?
Over the past year PCEM returned +20.55% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PCEM annualized +12.35% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCEM or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.5% for PCEM. Worst drawdown: PCEM -19.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PCEM and QQQ?
PCEM and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCEM and QQQ?
PCEM and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 136 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCEM or QQQ?
PCEM yields 0.34% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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