PXE vs QQQ
Invesco Energy Exploration & Production ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. PXE delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PXE | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.61% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $83M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.74% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +44.19% | +17.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +51.02% | +26.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.16% | +26.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +26.54% | +15.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 35.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 26, 2005 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PXE vs QQQ Performance
Invesco Energy Exploration & Production ETF (PXE) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PXE returned +51.02% while QQQ returned +26.39%. Year to date, PXE is up 44.19% versus a gain of 17.07% for QQQ.
Over three years, PXE compounded at +10.16% per year against +26.08% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +26.54% and +15.18% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.05% annualized vs +5.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PXE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.8% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -86.3% for PXE 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
PXE charges 0.61% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $61 vs $18 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PXE currently yields 1.74% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PXE and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 132 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PXE | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| FANG | 4.90% | 0.23% | 4.67% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PXE or QQQ?
PXE has an expense ratio of 0.61% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PXE or QQQ?
Over the past year PXE returned +51.02% vs +26.39% for QQQ, so PXE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), PXE annualized +5.25% vs +13.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PXE or QQQ?
PXE has been the more volatile fund at 35.8% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: PXE -86.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PXE and QQQ?
PXE 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 PXE and QQQ?
PXE and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 132 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PXE or QQQ?
PXE yields 1.74% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so PXE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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