PCLG vs QQQ
Polen Focus 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 | PCLG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $88M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.04% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 26 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -5.53% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | -7.71% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Polen Capital | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PCLG vs QQQ Performance
Polen Focus Growth ETF (PCLG) is a ETF from Polen Capital and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PCLG returned -7.71% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, PCLG is down 5.53% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -23.8% for PCLG and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCLG 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, PCLG currently yields 0.04% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PCLG and QQQ share 12 holdings out of 117 unique holdings combined, representing a 29.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PCLG or QQQ?
PCLG 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, PCLG or QQQ?
Over the past year PCLG returned -7.71% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
What is the holdings overlap between PCLG and QQQ?
PCLG and QQQ share 12 common holdings with a 29.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 117 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCLG or QQQ?
PCLG yields 0.04% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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