QQQ vs ROM
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares Ultra Technology
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. ROM delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | ROM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $1.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.06% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 90 | |
| YTD Return | +17.46% | +53.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.02% | +77.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.51% | +51.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | +22.83% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 41.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -83.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 30, 2007 |
QQQ vs ROM Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares Ultra Technology (ROM) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% while ROM returned +77.30%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.46% versus a gain of 53.56% for ROM.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.51% per year against +51.30% for ROM; over five years the annualized figures are +15.12% and +22.83% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, ROM has the edge at +24.02% annualized vs +13.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ROM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.9% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -83.8% for ROM. 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while ROM 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 0.41% against 0.06% for ROM.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and ROM share 36 holdings out of 142 unique holdings combined, representing a 49.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or ROM?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while ROM 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 ROM?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% vs +77.30% for ROM, so ROM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQQ annualized +13.08% vs +24.02% for ROM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or ROM?
ROM has been the more volatile fund at 41.9% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs ROM -83.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and ROM?
QQQ and ROM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and ROM?
QQQ and ROM share 36 common holdings with a 49.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 142 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or ROM?
QQQ yields 0.41% while ROM yields 0.06%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.