QQQ vs RSF
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs RiverNorth Capital and Income Fund, Inc.
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. RSF offers more diversification with 9,730 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | RSF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 5.25% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $52M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 9.12% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 9,730 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +8.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +9.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +9.04% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +4.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 8.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -44.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | RiverNorth | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 22, 2016 |
QQQ vs RSF Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and RiverNorth Capital and Income Fund, Inc. (RSF) is a ETF from RiverNorth. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while RSF returned +9.64%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 8.34% for RSF.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +9.04% for RSF; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +4.56% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +0.12%. 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 8.6% for RSF. 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 -44.2% for RSF. 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RSF charges 5.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $525 annually, a gap of $507 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 9.12% for RSF.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RSF share 0 holdings out of 119 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 RSF?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RSF charges 5.25%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $507 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or RSF?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +9.64% for RSF, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +0.12% for RSF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RSF?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 8.6% for RSF. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RSF -44.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RSF?
QQQ and RSF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RSF?
QQQ and RSF share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 119 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RSF?
QQQ yields 0.44% while RSF yields 9.12%, so RSF 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.