QQQ vs ROBO
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. ROBO delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | ROBO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $2.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.37% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 79 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +14.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +30.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +15.95% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +4.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 21.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -43.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Robo Global | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Oct 22, 2013 |
QQQ vs ROBO Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO) is a ETF from Robo Global. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while ROBO returned +30.75%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 14.79% for ROBO.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +15.95% for ROBO; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +4.38% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +9.70%. 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 21.5% for ROBO. 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 -43.6% for ROBO. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while ROBO charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $95 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.37% for ROBO.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and ROBO share 9 holdings out of 172 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or ROBO?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while ROBO charges 0.95%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or ROBO?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +30.75% for ROBO, so ROBO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +9.70% for ROBO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or ROBO?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 21.5% for ROBO. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs ROBO -43.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and ROBO?
QQQ and ROBO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and ROBO?
QQQ and ROBO share 9 common holdings with a 5.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 172 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or ROBO?
QQQ yields 0.44% while ROBO yields 0.37%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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