QQQ vs TAIL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Cambria Tail Risk ETF
Which is better, QQQ or TAIL?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.56, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | TAIL |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18%Best | 0.59% |
| AUM | $483.5B | $154M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.04% |
| Holdings | 107 | 11 |
| YTD Return | +17.95%Best | -13.20% |
| 1Y Return | +21.77%Best | -15.02% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.63%Best | -6.04% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.24%Best | -10.14% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.5% | 11.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -35.1%Best | -55.2% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $20,324Best | $5,859 |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Cambria Investment Management |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Trading-Inverse Equity |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Apr 5, 2017 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 6, 2017 to Sep 18, 2026 (9.5 years).
QQQ vs TAIL growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
QQQ vs TAIL Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US) and Cambria Tail Risk ETF (TAIL) is an ETF from Cambria Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +21.77% while TAIL returned -15.02%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.95% versus a loss of 13.20% for TAIL.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.63% per year against -6.04% for TAIL; over five years the annualized figures are +15.24% and -10.14% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +20.09% annualized vs -7.75%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% compared with 11.1% for TAIL. 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 -35.1% for QQQ and -55.2% for TAIL. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.56. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while TAIL charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $59 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 3.04% for TAIL.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 102 holdings in QQQ and 2 in TAIL, totalling 99.9% and 93.4% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 102 positions we hold weights for in QQQ and 2 in TAIL, against full books of 107 and 11.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of QQQ and TAIL you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or TAIL?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while TAIL charges 0.59%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $41 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, QQQ or TAIL?
Over the past year QQQ returned +21.77% vs -15.02% for TAIL, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), QQQ annualized +20.09% vs -7.75% for TAIL. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, QQQ or TAIL?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 11.1% for TAIL. Worst drawdown: QQQ -35.1% vs TAIL -55.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and TAIL?
QQQ and TAIL have a monthly-return correlation of -0.56, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or TAIL?
QQQ yields 0.44% while TAIL yields 3.04%, so TAIL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is TAIL better than QQQ?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.56, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.