PSCX vs QQQ
Pacer Swan SOS Conservative (January) 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PSCX | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $46M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +7.24% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.45% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.54% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.58% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 22, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PSCX vs QQQ Performance
Pacer Swan SOS Conservative (January) ETF (PSCX) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PSCX returned +12.45% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, PSCX is up 7.24% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, PSCX compounded at +12.54% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.58% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +8.89%. 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 6.4% for PSCX. 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 -10.2% for PSCX 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSCX charges 0.49% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $18 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSCX currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PSCX and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 104 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, PSCX or QQQ?
PSCX has an expense ratio of 0.49% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSCX or QQQ?
Over the past year PSCX returned +12.45% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), PSCX annualized +8.89% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSCX or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.4% for PSCX. Worst drawdown: PSCX -10.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PSCX and QQQ?
PSCX and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PSCX and QQQ?
PSCX and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSCX or QQQ?
PSCX yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.