QQQ vs QQQA
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dorsey Wright Momentum ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQA delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | QQQA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.58% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $58M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.03% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 22 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +39.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +57.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +26.74% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +9.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 26.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -38.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 18, 2021 |
QQQ vs QQQA Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dorsey Wright Momentum ETF (QQQA) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while QQQA returned +57.68%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 39.10% for QQQA.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +26.74% for QQQA; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +9.82% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +10.78%. 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 26.8% for QQQA. 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 -83.0% for QQQ and -38.4% for QQQA. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while QQQA charges 0.58%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $58 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.03% for QQQA.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and QQQA share 20 holdings out of 103 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or QQQA?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while QQQA charges 0.58%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or QQQA?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +57.68% for QQQA, so QQQA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +10.78% for QQQA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or QQQA?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 26.8% for QQQA. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs QQQA -38.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and QQQA?
QQQ and QQQA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and QQQA?
QQQ and QQQA share 20 common holdings with a 20.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or QQQA?
QQQ yields 0.44% while QQQA yields 0.03%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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