QGRO vs QQQ
American Century US Quality Growth ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QGRO offers more diversification with 188 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QGRO | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2.0B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.19% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 188 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +3.64% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.94% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.64% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.09% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 10, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
QGRO vs QQQ Performance
American Century US Quality Growth ETF (QGRO) is a ETF from American Century Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year QGRO returned +8.94% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, QGRO is up 3.64% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, QGRO compounded at +20.64% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.09% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QGRO has the edge at +14.83% annualized vs +13.03%. 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 19.4% for QGRO. 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 -32.6% for QGRO 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QGRO 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, QGRO currently yields 0.19% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
QGRO and QQQ share 40 holdings out of 250 unique holdings combined, representing a 32.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QGRO or QQQ?
QGRO 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, QGRO or QQQ?
Over the past year QGRO returned +8.94% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), QGRO annualized +14.83% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QGRO or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.4% for QGRO. Worst drawdown: QGRO -32.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both QGRO and QQQ?
QGRO and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QGRO and QQQ?
QGRO and QQQ share 40 common holdings with a 32.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 250 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QGRO or QQQ?
QGRO yields 0.19% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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