PEX vs QQQ
ProShares Global Listed Private Equity 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 | PEX | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.95% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $11M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.93% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -2.97% | +17.46% | |
| 1Y Return | -10.73% | +26.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.62% | +25.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.81% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 115.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -77.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2013 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PEX vs QQQ Performance
ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF (PEX) is a ETF from ProShares and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PEX returned -10.73% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, PEX is down 2.97% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.
Over three years, PEX compounded at +4.62% per year against +25.51% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -0.81% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +5.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PEX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 115.1% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -77.9% for PEX 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 0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PEX charges 2.95% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $295 vs $18 annually, a gap of $277 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PEX currently yields 8.93% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PEX and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 133 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, PEX or QQQ?
PEX has an expense ratio of 2.95% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $277 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PEX or QQQ?
Over the past year PEX returned -10.73% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), PEX annualized +5.30% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PEX or QQQ?
PEX has been the more volatile fund at 115.1% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: PEX -77.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PEX and QQQ?
PEX and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PEX and QQQ?
PEX and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 133 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PEX or QQQ?
PEX yields 8.93% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so PEX 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.