QQQ vs RXL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares Ultra Health Care
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. RXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | RXL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $91M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.29% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 67 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +18.77% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +50.04% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +12.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +3.58% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 29.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -69.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 30, 2007 |
QQQ vs RXL Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares Ultra Health Care (RXL) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while RXL returned +50.04%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 18.77% for RXL.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +12.60% for RXL; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +3.58% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, RXL has the edge at +14.62% annualized vs +13.02%. 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 29.4% for RXL. 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 -69.0% for RXL. 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 RXL 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 1.29% for RXL.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RXL share 8 holdings out of 154 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or RXL?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RXL 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 RXL?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +50.04% for RXL, so RXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +14.62% for RXL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RXL?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 29.4% for RXL. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RXL -69.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RXL?
QQQ and RXL 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 RXL?
QQQ and RXL share 8 common holdings with a 3.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 154 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RXL?
QQQ yields 0.44% while RXL yields 1.29%, so RXL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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