PGX vs QQQ
Invesco Preferred ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. PGX offers more diversification with 270 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PGX | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.38% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 270 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -2.51% | +17.07% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.79% | +26.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.24% | +26.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.12% | +15.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2008 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PGX vs QQQ Performance
Invesco Preferred ETF (PGX) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PGX returned -1.79% while QQQ returned +26.39%. Year to date, PGX is down 2.51% versus a gain of 17.07% for QQQ.
Over three years, PGX compounded at +5.24% per year against +26.08% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -1.12% and +15.18% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.05% annualized vs -1.75%. 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 14.4% for PGX. 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 -69.5% for PGX 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
PGX 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, PGX currently yields 6.38% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PGX or QQQ?
PGX 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, PGX or QQQ?
Over the past year PGX returned -1.79% vs +26.39% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), PGX annualized -1.75% vs +13.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PGX or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.4% for PGX. Worst drawdown: PGX -69.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PGX and QQQ?
PGX 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 PGX and QQQ?
PGX and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 327 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PGX or QQQ?
PGX yields 6.38% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so PGX 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.