QQQ vs RIV
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs RiverNorth Opportunities Fund Inc.
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. RIV offers more diversification with 259 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | RIV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 6.43% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $323M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 9.67% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 442 | |
| YTD Return | +19.68% | +3.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.75% | +0.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.25% | +12.11% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.39% | +2.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -55.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | RiverNorth | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 23, 2015 |
QQQ vs RIV Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and RiverNorth Opportunities Fund Inc. (RIV) is a ETF from RiverNorth. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% while RIV returned +0.90%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.68% versus a gain of 3.83% for RIV.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.25% per year against +12.11% for RIV; over five years the annualized figures are +15.39% and +2.79% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +1.26%. 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 15.3% for RIV. 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 -55.6% for RIV. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RIV charges 6.43%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $643 annually, a gap of $625 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 9.67% for RIV.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RIV share 1 holdings out of 361 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in RIV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOOGL | 3.29% | -0.98% | 4.27% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or RIV?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RIV charges 6.43%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $625 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or RIV?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% vs +0.90% for RIV, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QQQ annualized +13.15% vs +1.26% for RIV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RIV?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.3% for RIV. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RIV -55.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RIV?
QQQ and RIV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RIV?
QQQ and RIV share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 361 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RIV?
QQQ yields 0.41% while RIV yields 9.67%, so RIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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