QQQ vs RFCI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ALPS Dynamic Core 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 | RFCI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.51% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $16M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 4.60% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 47 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | -0.37% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +1.60% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +4.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +1.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 4.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -13.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ALPS Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jun 13, 2016 |
QQQ vs RFCI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ALPS Dynamic Core Income ETF (RFCI) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while RFCI returned +1.60%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a loss of 0.37% for RFCI.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +4.97% for RFCI; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +1.24% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +1.01%. 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 4.3% for RFCI. 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 -13.2% for RFCI. 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RFCI charges 0.51%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $51 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 4.60% for RFCI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RFCI share 0 holdings out of 140 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 RFCI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RFCI charges 0.51%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or RFCI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +1.60% for RFCI, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +1.01% for RFCI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RFCI?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.3% for RFCI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RFCI -13.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RFCI?
QQQ and RFCI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RFCI?
QQQ and RFCI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 140 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RFCI?
QQQ yields 0.44% while RFCI yields 4.60%, so RFCI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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