PFIX vs QQQ
Simplify Interest Rate Hedge 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 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PFIX | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $178M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.77% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +4.93% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.57% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.85% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.83% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 10, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PFIX vs QQQ Performance
Simplify Interest Rate Hedge ETF (PFIX) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PFIX returned +2.57% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, PFIX is up 4.93% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, PFIX compounded at +12.85% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +22.83% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, PFIX has the edge at +16.53% annualized vs +13.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PFIX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.3% 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 -36.2% for PFIX 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 -0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFIX charges 0.50% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $18 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFIX currently yields 7.77% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PFIX and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 103 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, PFIX or QQQ?
PFIX has an expense ratio of 0.50% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFIX or QQQ?
Over the past year PFIX returned +2.57% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PFIX annualized +16.53% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFIX or QQQ?
PFIX has been the more volatile fund at 36.3% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: PFIX -36.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PFIX and QQQ?
PFIX and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFIX and QQQ?
PFIX and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFIX or QQQ?
PFIX yields 7.77% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so PFIX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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