PPH vs QQQ
VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. PPH delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PPH | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $985M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.92% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +8.38% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.44% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.51% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.85% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2011 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PPH vs QQQ Performance
VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH) is a ETF from VanEck and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PPH returned +31.44% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, PPH is up 8.38% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, PPH compounded at +12.51% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.85% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +4.13%. 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 14.8% for PPH. 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 -56.6% for PPH 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PPH charges 0.36% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $18 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PPH currently yields 1.92% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PPH and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 127 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, PPH or QQQ?
PPH has an expense ratio of 0.36% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PPH or QQQ?
Over the past year PPH returned +31.44% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so PPH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), PPH annualized +4.13% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PPH or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.8% for PPH. Worst drawdown: PPH -56.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PPH and QQQ?
PPH and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PPH and QQQ?
PPH and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 127 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PPH or QQQ?
PPH yields 1.92% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so PPH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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