PTEU vs QQQ
Pacer Trendpilot European Index ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. PTEU offers more diversification with 280 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PTEU | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $36M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.76% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 293 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.01% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.08% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.34% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.94% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 14, 2015 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PTEU vs QQQ Performance
Pacer Trendpilot European Index ETF (PTEU) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PTEU returned +19.08% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, PTEU is up 11.01% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, PTEU compounded at +11.34% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +7.94% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +4.46%. 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 13.2% for PTEU. 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 -35.5% for PTEU 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PTEU charges 0.65% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $18 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PTEU currently yields 1.76% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PTEU and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 382 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PTEU | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASML:AS | 8.75% | 0.70% | 8.05% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PTEU or QQQ?
PTEU has an expense ratio of 0.65% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PTEU or QQQ?
Over the past year PTEU returned +19.08% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), PTEU annualized +4.46% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PTEU or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.2% for PTEU. Worst drawdown: PTEU -35.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PTEU and QQQ?
PTEU and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PTEU and QQQ?
PTEU and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 382 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PTEU or QQQ?
PTEU yields 1.76% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so PTEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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