PCHI vs QQQ
Polen High 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 | PCHI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $22M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.98% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 136 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +1.73% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.33% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Polen Capital | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 25, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PCHI vs QQQ Performance
Polen High Income ETF (PCHI) is a ETF from Polen Capital and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PCHI returned +3.33% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, PCHI is up 1.73% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 3.3% for PCHI. 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 -6.4% for PCHI 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCHI charges 0.56% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $18 annually, a gap of $38 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCHI currently yields 7.98% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PCHI and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 205 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, PCHI or QQQ?
PCHI has an expense ratio of 0.56% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $38 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCHI or QQQ?
Over the past year PCHI returned +3.33% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PCHI annualized +4.85% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCHI or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 3.3% for PCHI. Worst drawdown: PCHI -6.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PCHI and QQQ?
PCHI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCHI and QQQ?
PCHI and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 205 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCHI or QQQ?
PCHI yields 7.98% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so PCHI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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