PIEQ vs QQQ
Principal International Equity 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 | PIEQ | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.16% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.67% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.85% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 6, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PIEQ vs QQQ Performance
Principal International Equity ETF (PIEQ) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PIEQ returned +23.85% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, PIEQ is up 11.67% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 9.9% for PIEQ. 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 -15.2% for PIEQ 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PIEQ charges 0.48% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $18 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PIEQ currently yields 1.16% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PIEQ and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 138 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PIEQ | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASL:AS | 5.48% | 0.68% | 4.80% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PIEQ or QQQ?
PIEQ has an expense ratio of 0.48% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PIEQ or QQQ?
Over the past year PIEQ returned +23.85% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PIEQ annualized +25.57% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PIEQ or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 9.9% for PIEQ. Worst drawdown: PIEQ -15.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PIEQ and QQQ?
PIEQ and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PIEQ and QQQ?
PIEQ and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 138 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PIEQ or QQQ?
PIEQ yields 1.16% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so PIEQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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