QQQ vs RFI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund Inc.
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. RFI offers more diversification with 193 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | RFI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.89% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $1,524.6 | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 7.96% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 193 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +9.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +4.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +9.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +1.53% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 22.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -80.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Cohen & Steers Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 27, 1993 |
QQQ vs RFI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund Inc. (RFI) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while RFI returned +4.07%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 9.50% for RFI.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +9.53% for RFI; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +1.53% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +0.02%. 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 22.8% for RFI. 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 -80.1% for RFI. 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RFI charges 0.89%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $89 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 7.96% for RFI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RFI share 0 holdings out of 259 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 RFI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RFI charges 0.89%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or RFI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +4.07% for RFI, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +0.02% for RFI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RFI?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 22.8% for RFI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RFI -80.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RFI?
QQQ and RFI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RFI?
QQQ and RFI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 259 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RFI?
QQQ yields 0.44% while RFI yields 7.96%, so RFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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