QQQ vs RPAR
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs RPAR Risk Parity ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. RPAR offers more diversification with 138 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | RPAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.52% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $580M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.45% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 138 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +5.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +15.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +10.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +1.06% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 13.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -30.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Rpar ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 12, 2019 |
QQQ vs RPAR Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and RPAR Risk Parity ETF (RPAR) is a ETF from Rpar ETF. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while RPAR returned +15.37%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 5.56% for RPAR.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +10.44% for RPAR; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +1.06% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +4.08%. 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 13.4% for RPAR. 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 -30.2% for RPAR. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RPAR charges 0.52%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $52 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 2.45% for RPAR.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RPAR share 1 holdings out of 230 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in RPAR | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| FANG | 0.23% | 0.13% | 0.10% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or RPAR?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RPAR charges 0.52%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or RPAR?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +15.37% for RPAR, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +4.08% for RPAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RPAR?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.4% for RPAR. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RPAR -30.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RPAR?
QQQ and RPAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RPAR?
QQQ and RPAR share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 230 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RPAR?
QQQ yields 0.44% while RPAR yields 2.45%, so RPAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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