PCIG vs QQQ
PCIG vs QQQ
Polen Capital International 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PCIG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $26M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.15% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.77% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.22% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iMGP Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 1, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PCIG vs QQQ Performance
Polen Capital International Growth ETF (PCIG) is a ETF from iMGP Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PCIG returned -3.22% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, PCIG is down 0.77% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 14.2% for PCIG. 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 -23.4% for PCIG 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCIG charges 0.85% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $18 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCIG currently yields 0.15% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PCIG and QQQ share 3 holdings out of 130 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PCIG or QQQ?
PCIG has an expense ratio of 0.85% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCIG or QQQ?
Over the past year PCIG returned -3.22% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PCIG annualized -3.63% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCIG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.2% for PCIG. Worst drawdown: PCIG -23.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PCIG and QQQ?
PCIG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCIG and QQQ?
PCIG and QQQ share 3 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 130 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCIG or QQQ?
PCIG yields 0.15% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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