PGP vs QQQ
PIMCO Global StockPlus & Income Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. PGP offers more diversification with 417 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PGP | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.64% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $105M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.13% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 417 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +1.59% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.96% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.84% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.51% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -81.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 31, 2005 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PGP vs QQQ Performance
PIMCO Global StockPlus & Income Fund (PGP) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PGP returned +14.96% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, PGP is up 1.59% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, PGP compounded at +18.84% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +5.51% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs -2.28%. 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 26.3% for PGP. 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 -81.3% for PGP 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PGP charges 2.64% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $264 vs $18 annually, a gap of $246 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PGP currently yields 9.13% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PGP and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 127 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, PGP or QQQ?
PGP has an expense ratio of 2.64% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $246 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PGP or QQQ?
Over the past year PGP returned +14.96% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), PGP annualized -2.28% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PGP or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 26.3% for PGP. Worst drawdown: PGP -81.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PGP and QQQ?
PGP and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PGP and QQQ?
PGP and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 127 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PGP or QQQ?
PGP yields 9.13% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so PGP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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