PFFA vs QQQ
Virtus InfraCap US Preferred Stock 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 | PFFA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.11% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.65% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 193 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +1.91% | +17.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.82% | +26.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.96% | +25.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.65% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PFFA vs QQQ Performance
Virtus InfraCap US Preferred Stock ETF (PFFA) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PFFA returned +6.82% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, PFFA is up 1.91% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.
Over three years, PFFA compounded at +11.96% per year against +25.51% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +5.65% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +4.12%. 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 25.0% for PFFA. 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 -70.7% for PFFA 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFFA charges 2.11% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $211 vs $18 annually, a gap of $193 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFFA currently yields 9.65% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PFFA and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 126 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, PFFA or QQQ?
PFFA has an expense ratio of 2.11% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $193 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFFA or QQQ?
Over the past year PFFA returned +6.82% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PFFA annualized +4.12% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFFA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 25.0% for PFFA. Worst drawdown: PFFA -70.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PFFA and QQQ?
PFFA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFFA and QQQ?
PFFA and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 126 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFFA or QQQ?
PFFA yields 9.65% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so PFFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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