QQQ vs RTAI

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQRTAIWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%4.59%
AUM$455.8B$18M
Dividend Yield0.41%4.93%
Holdings10813
YTD Return+18.31%-1.16%
1Y Return+25.37%+4.57%
3Y Return (annualized)+25.79%+5.81%
5Y Return (annualized)+15.20%-2.05%
Volatility (annualized)30.6%13.7%
Max Drawdown-83.0%-34.3%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Rareview Capital
CategoryEquityFixed Income
InceptionMar 10, 1999Oct 21, 2020

QQQ vs RTAI Performance

Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Rareview Tax Advantaged Income ETF (RTAI) is a ETF from Rareview Capital. Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% while RTAI returned +4.57%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.31% versus a loss of 1.16% for RTAI.

Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.79% per year against +5.81% for RTAI; over five years the annualized figures are +15.20% and -2.05% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +0.89%. 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 13.7% for RTAI. 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 -34.3% for RTAI. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RTAI charges 4.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $459 annually, a gap of $441 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 4.93% for RTAI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

QQQ and RTAI share 0 holdings out of 113 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 RTAI?

QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RTAI charges 4.59%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $441 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QQQ or RTAI?

Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% vs +4.57% for RTAI, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), QQQ annualized +13.10% vs +0.89% for RTAI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQQ or RTAI?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.7% for RTAI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RTAI -34.3%.

Should I hold both QQQ and RTAI?

QQQ and RTAI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RTAI?

QQQ and RTAI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 113 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RTAI?

QQQ yields 0.41% while RTAI yields 4.93%, so RTAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.