PCFI vs QQQ
Polen Floating Rate Income 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 | PCFI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $8M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.51% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 124 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +1.32% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.18% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Polen Capital | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 24, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PCFI vs QQQ Performance
Polen Floating Rate Income ETF (PCFI) is a ETF from Polen Capital and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PCFI returned -1.18% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, PCFI is up 1.32% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 4.5% for PCFI. 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 -4.0% for PCFI 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCFI charges 0.49% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $18 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCFI currently yields 9.51% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PCFI and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 124 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, PCFI or QQQ?
PCFI has an expense ratio of 0.49% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCFI or QQQ?
Over the past year PCFI returned -1.18% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PCFI annualized +2.13% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCFI or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.5% for PCFI. Worst drawdown: PCFI -4.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PCFI and QQQ?
PCFI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCFI and QQQ?
PCFI and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 124 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCFI or QQQ?
PCFI yields 9.51% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so PCFI 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.