QQQ vs RIFR
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Russell Investments Global Infrastructure 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 | RIFR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $44M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.87% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 67 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +10.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +12.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 10.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -6.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Russell Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 13, 2025 |
QQQ vs RIFR Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF (RIFR) is a ETF from Russell Investments. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while RIFR returned +12.15%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 10.89% for RIFR.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 10.9% for RIFR. 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 -6.8% for RIFR. 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 -0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RIFR charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $59 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.87% for RIFR.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RIFR share 1 holdings out of 161 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in RIFR | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XEL | 0.21% | 2.51% | 2.30% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or RIFR?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RIFR charges 0.59%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or RIFR?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +12.15% for RIFR, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +15.04% for RIFR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RIFR?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.9% for RIFR. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RIFR -6.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RIFR?
QQQ and RIFR have a monthly-return correlation of -0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RIFR?
QQQ and RIFR share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 161 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RIFR?
QQQ yields 0.44% while RIFR yields 0.87%, so RIFR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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