QQQ vs RIGS
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ALPS Strategic Income Fund
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | RIGS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.46% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $61M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 4.82% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 80 | |
| YTD Return | +18.31% | +0.73% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.37% | +2.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.79% | +4.95% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.20% | +1.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 4.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -18.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ALPS Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Oct 7, 2013 |
QQQ vs RIGS Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ALPS Strategic Income Fund (RIGS) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors. Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% while RIGS returned +2.62%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.31% versus a gain of 0.73% for RIGS.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.79% per year against +4.95% for RIGS; over five years the annualized figures are +15.20% and +1.98% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +0.97%. 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 4.6% for RIGS. 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 -18.2% for RIGS. 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RIGS charges 0.46%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $46 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 4.82% for RIGS.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RIGS share 0 holdings out of 172 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 RIGS?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RIGS charges 0.46%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or RIGS?
Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% vs +2.62% for RIGS, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), QQQ annualized +13.10% vs +0.97% for RIGS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RIGS?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.6% for RIGS. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RIGS -18.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RIGS?
QQQ and RIGS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RIGS?
QQQ and RIGS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 172 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RIGS?
QQQ yields 0.41% while RIGS yields 4.82%, so RIGS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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