QQQ vs RFG
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Invesco S&P Midcap 400 Pure Growth 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 | RFG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $361M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.15% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 100 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +16.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +25.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +16.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +7.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 19.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -52.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 1, 2006 |
QQQ vs RFG Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Invesco S&P Midcap 400 Pure Growth ETF (RFG) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while RFG returned +25.73%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 16.30% for RFG.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +16.50% for RFG; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +7.35% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +9.38%. 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 19.6% for RFG. 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 -52.0% for RFG. 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 RFG charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $35 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.15% for RFG.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RFG share 0 holdings out of 201 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 RFG?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RFG charges 0.35%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or RFG?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +25.73% for RFG, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +9.38% for RFG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RFG?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.6% for RFG. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RFG -52.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RFG?
QQQ and RFG 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 RFG?
QQQ and RFG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 201 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RFG?
QQQ yields 0.44% while RFG yields 0.15%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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