PSCU vs QQQ
Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services 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 | PSCU | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $18M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.99% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 36 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +13.39% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.36% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.57% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.01% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 7, 2010 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PSCU vs QQQ Performance
Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF (PSCU) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PSCU returned +18.36% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, PSCU is up 13.39% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, PSCU compounded at +8.57% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +1.01% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +6.44%. 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 15.3% for PSCU. 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 -30.4% for PSCU 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSCU charges 0.29% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $18 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSCU currently yields 0.99% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PSCU and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 136 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, PSCU or QQQ?
PSCU has an expense ratio of 0.29% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSCU or QQQ?
Over the past year PSCU returned +18.36% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PSCU annualized +6.44% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSCU or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.3% for PSCU. Worst drawdown: PSCU -30.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PSCU and QQQ?
PSCU and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PSCU and QQQ?
PSCU and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 136 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSCU or QQQ?
PSCU yields 0.99% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so PSCU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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