PGJ vs QQQ
Invesco Golden Dragon China 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 | PGJ | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $94M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.40% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 74 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -15.76% | +17.46% | |
| 1Y Return | -11.00% | +26.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.73% | +25.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -9.53% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2004 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PGJ vs QQQ Performance
Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PGJ returned -11.00% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, PGJ is down 15.76% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.
Over three years, PGJ compounded at -0.73% per year against +25.51% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -9.53% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +3.12%. 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 30.2% for PGJ. 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 -78.4% for PGJ 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PGJ charges 0.70% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $18 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PGJ currently yields 3.40% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PGJ and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 175 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, PGJ or QQQ?
PGJ has an expense ratio of 0.70% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PGJ or QQQ?
Over the past year PGJ returned -11.00% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), PGJ annualized +3.12% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PGJ or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 30.2% for PGJ. Worst drawdown: PGJ -78.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PGJ and QQQ?
PGJ and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PGJ and QQQ?
PGJ and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 175 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PGJ or QQQ?
PGJ yields 3.40% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so PGJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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