PRCS vs QQQ
Parnassus Core Select 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 | PRCS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $171M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.12% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 25 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.47% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.54% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Parnassus Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PRCS vs QQQ Performance
Parnassus Core Select ETF (PRCS) is a ETF from Parnassus Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PRCS returned +13.54% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, PRCS is up 10.47% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 12.8% for PRCS. 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 -18.2% for PRCS 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PRCS charges 0.58% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $18 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PRCS currently yields 0.12% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PRCS and QQQ share 9 holdings out of 119 unique holdings combined, representing a 26.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PRCS or QQQ?
PRCS has an expense ratio of 0.58% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PRCS or QQQ?
Over the past year PRCS returned +13.54% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PRCS annualized +10.82% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PRCS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.8% for PRCS. Worst drawdown: PRCS -18.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PRCS and QQQ?
PRCS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PRCS and QQQ?
PRCS and QQQ share 9 common holdings with a 26.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 119 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PRCS or QQQ?
PRCS yields 0.12% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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