PIFI vs QQQ
ClearShares Piton Intermediate Fixed Income 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 | PIFI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $98M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.49% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.21% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.81% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.72% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.66% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | ClearShares ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 1, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PIFI vs QQQ Performance
ClearShares Piton Intermediate Fixed Income ETF (PIFI) is a ETF from ClearShares ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PIFI returned +1.81% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, PIFI is down 0.21% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, PIFI compounded at +3.72% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +0.66% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +0.48%. 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 3.8% for PIFI. 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 -10.6% for PIFI 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PIFI charges 0.45% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $18 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PIFI currently yields 4.49% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PIFI and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 154 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, PIFI or QQQ?
PIFI has an expense ratio of 0.45% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PIFI or QQQ?
Over the past year PIFI returned +1.81% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), PIFI annualized +0.48% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PIFI or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 3.8% for PIFI. Worst drawdown: PIFI -10.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PIFI and QQQ?
PIFI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PIFI and QQQ?
PIFI and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 154 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PIFI or QQQ?
PIFI yields 4.49% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so PIFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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