QQQ vs QUSA
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | QUSA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.97% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $22M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 15.57% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 97 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +9.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +5.10% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 10.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -9.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | VistaShares | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 6, 2025 |
QQQ vs QUSA Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF (QUSA) is a ETF from VistaShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while QUSA returned +5.10%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 9.87% for QUSA.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 10.1% for QUSA. 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 -9.5% for QUSA. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while QUSA charges 0.97%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $97 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 15.57% for QUSA.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and QUSA share 16 holdings out of 116 unique holdings combined, representing a 37.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or QUSA?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while QUSA charges 0.97%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or QUSA?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +5.10% for QUSA, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +7.96% for QUSA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or QUSA?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.1% for QUSA. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs QUSA -9.5%.
Should I hold both QQQ and QUSA?
QQQ and QUSA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and QUSA?
QQQ and QUSA share 16 common holdings with a 37.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 116 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or QUSA?
QQQ yields 0.44% while QUSA yields 15.57%, so QUSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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