QQQ vs RCS
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs PIMCO Strategic Income Fund Inc.
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. RCS offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | RCS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.98% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $218M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 10.53% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 503 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | -4.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | -19.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +8.48% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +1.17% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 17.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -60.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | PIMCO (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Feb 24, 1994 |
QQQ vs RCS Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and PIMCO Strategic Income Fund Inc. (RCS) is a ETF from PIMCO (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while RCS returned -19.91%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a loss of 4.07% for RCS.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +8.48% for RCS; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +1.17% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs -0.43%. 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 17.5% for RCS. 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 -60.9% for RCS. 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RCS charges 0.98%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $98 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 10.53% for RCS.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RCS share 0 holdings out of 121 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or RCS?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RCS charges 0.98%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or RCS?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs -19.91% for RCS, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs -0.43% for RCS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RCS?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.5% for RCS. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RCS -60.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RCS?
QQQ and RCS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RCS?
QQQ and RCS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 121 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RCS?
QQQ yields 0.44% while RCS yields 10.53%, so RCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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