PEXL vs QQQ
Pacer US Export Leaders ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. PEXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PEXL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $54M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.31% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +16.71% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.02% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.41% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.52% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 23, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PEXL vs QQQ Performance
Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PEXL returned +33.02% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, PEXL is up 16.71% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, PEXL compounded at +19.41% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.52% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, PEXL has the edge at +14.13% annualized vs +13.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 22.0% for PEXL. 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 -36.9% for PEXL 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PEXL 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, PEXL currently yields 0.31% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PEXL and QQQ share 30 holdings out of 173 unique holdings combined, representing a 40.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PEXL or QQQ?
PEXL 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, PEXL or QQQ?
Over the past year PEXL returned +33.02% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so PEXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PEXL annualized +14.13% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PEXL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 22.0% for PEXL. Worst drawdown: PEXL -36.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PEXL and QQQ?
PEXL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PEXL and QQQ?
PEXL and QQQ share 30 common holdings with a 40.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 173 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PEXL or QQQ?
PEXL yields 0.31% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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