PFFD vs QQQ
Global X US Preferred 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 | PFFD | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.23% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.43% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 228 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +0.15% | +17.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.80% | +26.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.06% | +25.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.70% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 11, 2017 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PFFD vs QQQ Performance
Global X US Preferred ETF (PFFD) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PFFD returned +2.80% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, PFFD is up 0.15% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.
Over three years, PFFD compounded at +5.06% per year against +25.51% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -0.70% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +0.22%. 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 10.6% for PFFD. 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 -31.3% for PFFD 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFFD charges 0.23% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $18 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFFD currently yields 6.43% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PFFD and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 162 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PFFD | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XEL | 0.75% | 0.22% | 0.53% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PFFD or QQQ?
PFFD has an expense ratio of 0.23% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFFD or QQQ?
Over the past year PFFD returned +2.80% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), PFFD annualized +0.22% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFFD or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.6% for PFFD. Worst drawdown: PFFD -31.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PFFD and QQQ?
PFFD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFFD and QQQ?
PFFD and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 162 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFFD or QQQ?
PFFD yields 6.43% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so PFFD 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.