PJP vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: PJPMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPJPQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.57%0.18%
AUM$458M$455.8B
Dividend Yield0.90%0.41%
Holdings34108
YTD Return+20.08%+19.68%
1Y Return+41.13%+26.75%
3Y Return (annualized)+17.38%+26.25%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.76%+15.39%
Volatility (annualized)15.7%30.6%
Max Drawdown-42.4%-83.0%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Invesco (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 23, 2005Mar 10, 1999

PJP vs QQQ Performance

Invesco Pharmaceuticals ETF (PJP) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PJP returned +41.13% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, PJP is up 20.08% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.

Over three years, PJP compounded at +17.38% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.76% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +10.86%. 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 15.7% for PJP. 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 -42.4% for PJP 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PJP charges 0.57% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $18 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PJP currently yields 0.90% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

1.9%overlap

PJP and QQQ share 3 holdings out of 130 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in PJPWeight in QQQDifference
AMGN5.09%0.86%4.23%
GILD4.48%0.72%3.76%
REGN2.66%0.30%2.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PJP or QQQ?

PJP has an expense ratio of 0.57% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PJP or QQQ?

Over the past year PJP returned +41.13% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so PJP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), PJP annualized +10.86% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PJP or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.7% for PJP. Worst drawdown: PJP -42.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both PJP and QQQ?

PJP and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PJP and QQQ?

PJP and QQQ share 3 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 130 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PJP or QQQ?

PJP yields 0.90% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so PJP currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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