PCLO vs QQQ
Virtus Seix AAA Private Credit CLO 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 | PCLO | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $20M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.19% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.41% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.55% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 27, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PCLO vs QQQ Performance
Virtus Seix AAA Private Credit CLO ETF (PCLO) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PCLO returned +4.55% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, PCLO is up 2.41% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 0.8% for PCLO. 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 -0.8% for PCLO 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCLO charges 0.29% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $18 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCLO currently yields 5.19% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PCLO or QQQ?
PCLO has an expense ratio of 0.29% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCLO or QQQ?
Over the past year PCLO returned +4.55% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PCLO annualized +4.90% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCLO or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 0.8% for PCLO. Worst drawdown: PCLO -0.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PCLO and QQQ?
PCLO and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCLO or QQQ?
PCLO yields 5.19% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so PCLO 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.