PFFV vs QQQ
Global X Variable Rate 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 | PFFV | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $304M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.19% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.15% | +17.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.66% | +26.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.56% | +25.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.95% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 22, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PFFV vs QQQ Performance
Global X Variable Rate Preferred ETF (PFFV) 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 PFFV returned +2.66% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, PFFV is up 2.15% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.
Over three years, PFFV compounded at +6.56% per year against +25.51% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +1.95% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 6-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 8.1% for PFFV. 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 -19.0% for PFFV 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFFV charges 0.25% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $18 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFFV currently yields 8.19% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PFFV and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 128 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, PFFV or QQQ?
PFFV has an expense ratio of 0.25% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFFV or QQQ?
Over the past year PFFV returned +2.66% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), PFFV annualized +4.12% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFFV or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 8.1% for PFFV. Worst drawdown: PFFV -19.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PFFV and QQQ?
PFFV and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFFV and QQQ?
PFFV and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 128 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFFV or QQQ?
PFFV yields 8.19% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so PFFV 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.