PIT vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. PIT delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: PITMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPITQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.55%0.18%
AUM$295M$455.8B
Dividend Yield7.15%0.41%
Holdings30108
YTD Return+43.46%+17.85%
1Y Return+47.11%+26.45%
3Y Return (annualized)+17.30%+26.07%
5Y Return (annualized)-+15.16%
Volatility (annualized)17.9%30.6%
Max Drawdown-17.2%-83.0%
Fund FamilyVanEckInvesco (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionDec 20, 2022Mar 10, 1999

PIT vs QQQ Performance

VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT) is a ETF from VanEck and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PIT returned +47.11% while QQQ returned +26.45%. Year to date, PIT is up 43.46% versus a gain of 17.85% for QQQ.

Over three years, PIT compounded at +17.30% per year against +26.07% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, PIT has the edge at +15.27% annualized vs +13.09%. 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 17.9% for PIT. 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 -17.2% for PIT 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 -0.20. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PIT charges 0.55% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $18 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PIT currently yields 7.15% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PIT or QQQ?

PIT has an expense ratio of 0.55% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PIT or QQQ?

Over the past year PIT returned +47.11% vs +26.45% for QQQ, so PIT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), PIT annualized +15.27% vs +13.09% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PIT or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.9% for PIT. Worst drawdown: PIT -17.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both PIT and QQQ?

PIT and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, PIT or QQQ?

PIT yields 7.15% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so PIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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