QQQ vs TBLU
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Tortoise Global Water Fund
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | TBLU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.40% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $57M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 3.44% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 63 | |
| YTD Return | +19.68% | +2.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.75% | -1.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.25% | +10.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.39% | +3.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 17.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -37.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Tortoise Capital | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Feb 14, 2017 |
QQQ vs TBLU Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Tortoise Global Water Fund (TBLU) is a ETF from Tortoise Capital. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% while TBLU returned -1.94%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.68% versus a gain of 2.54% for TBLU.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.25% per year against +10.49% for TBLU; over five years the annualized figures are +15.39% and +3.46% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +9.17%. 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 17.2% for TBLU. 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 -37.6% for TBLU. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while TBLU charges 0.40%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $40 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 3.44% for TBLU.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and TBLU share 0 holdings out of 164 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 TBLU?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while TBLU charges 0.40%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or TBLU?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% vs -1.94% for TBLU, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), QQQ annualized +13.15% vs +9.17% for TBLU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or TBLU?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.2% for TBLU. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs TBLU -37.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and TBLU?
QQQ and TBLU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and TBLU?
QQQ and TBLU share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 164 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or TBLU?
QQQ yields 0.41% while TBLU yields 3.44%, so TBLU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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