QQQ vs RFDA
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ALPS Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 107 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | RFDA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.52% | |
| AUM | $486.1B | $83M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.77% | |
| Holdings | 107 | 79 | |
| YTD Return | +15.69% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.71% | +22.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.04% | +19.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.89% | +12.77% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -34.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ALPS Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jun 6, 2016 |
QQQ vs RFDA Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ALPS Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors. Over the past year QQQ returned +25.71% while RFDA returned +22.79%. Year to date, QQQ is up 15.69% versus a gain of 16.53% for RFDA.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.04% per year against +19.69% for RFDA; over five years the annualized figures are +13.89% and +12.77% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.98% annualized vs +12.43%. 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 15.1% for RFDA. 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 -34.8% for RFDA. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RFDA charges 0.52%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $52 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.77% for RFDA.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RFDA share 10 holdings out of 170 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or RFDA?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RFDA charges 0.52%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or RFDA?
Over the past year QQQ returned +25.71% vs +22.79% for RFDA, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), QQQ annualized +12.98% vs +12.43% for RFDA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RFDA?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.1% for RFDA. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RFDA -34.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RFDA?
QQQ and RFDA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RFDA?
QQQ and RFDA share 10 common holdings with a 12.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 170 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RFDA?
QQQ yields 0.44% while RFDA yields 1.77%, so RFDA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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