QQQ vs TCAI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Tortoise AI Infrastructure ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. TCAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | TCAI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.65% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $245M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.03% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 51 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +49.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +86.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 46.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -28.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Tortoise Capital | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Aug 4, 2025 |
QQQ vs TCAI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Tortoise AI Infrastructure ETF (TCAI) is a ETF from Tortoise Capital. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while TCAI returned +86.88%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 49.26% for TCAI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TCAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 46.5% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -28.8% for TCAI. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while TCAI charges 0.65%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $65 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.03% for TCAI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and TCAI share 9 holdings out of 143 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or TCAI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while TCAI charges 0.65%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or TCAI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +86.88% for TCAI, so TCAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +79.32% for TCAI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or TCAI?
TCAI has been the more volatile fund at 46.5% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs TCAI -28.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and TCAI?
QQQ and TCAI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and TCAI?
QQQ and TCAI share 9 common holdings with a 8.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 143 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or TCAI?
QQQ yields 0.44% while TCAI yields 0.03%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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