QQQ vs THEQ
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs T. Rowe Price Hedged Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. THEQ offers more diversification with 120 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | THEQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.46% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $40M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.75% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 120 | |
| YTD Return | +16.19% | +8.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.22% | +13.00% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.47% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.34% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 8.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -8.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | T.Rowe Price | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 26, 2025 |
QQQ vs THEQ Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and T. Rowe Price Hedged Equity ETF (THEQ) is a ETF from T.Rowe Price. Over the past year QQQ returned +25.22% while THEQ returned +13.00%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.19% versus a gain of 8.36% for THEQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 8.2% for THEQ. 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 -8.1% for THEQ. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while THEQ charges 0.46%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $46 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.75% for THEQ.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and THEQ share 30 holdings out of 183 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or THEQ?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while THEQ charges 0.46%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or THEQ?
Over the past year QQQ returned +25.22% vs +13.00% for THEQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +13.01% vs +15.30% for THEQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or THEQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 8.2% for THEQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs THEQ -8.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and THEQ?
QQQ and THEQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and THEQ?
QQQ and THEQ share 30 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 183 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or THEQ?
QQQ yields 0.44% while THEQ yields 0.75%, so THEQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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