PLDR vs QQQ
Putnam Sustainable Leaders 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 | PLDR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.35% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +1.55% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.67% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.88% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.14% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PLDR vs QQQ Performance
Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF (PLDR) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PLDR returned +15.67% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, PLDR is up 1.55% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, PLDR compounded at +16.88% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.14% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +9.09%. 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 17.1% for PLDR. 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 -29.6% for PLDR 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PLDR charges 0.59% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $18 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PLDR currently yields 0.35% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PLDR and QQQ share 17 holdings out of 137 unique holdings combined, representing a 42.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PLDR or QQQ?
PLDR has an expense ratio of 0.59% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PLDR or QQQ?
Over the past year PLDR returned +15.67% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PLDR annualized +9.09% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PLDR or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.1% for PLDR. Worst drawdown: PLDR -29.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PLDR and QQQ?
PLDR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between PLDR and QQQ?
PLDR and QQQ share 17 common holdings with a 42.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 137 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PLDR or QQQ?
PLDR yields 0.35% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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