QQQ vs THQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. THQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: THQMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQTHQWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%1.46%
AUM$455.8B$784M
Dividend Yield0.41%10.84%
Holdings108111
YTD Return+18.31%+8.44%
1Y Return+25.37%+40.14%
3Y Return (annualized)+25.79%+11.72%
5Y Return (annualized)+15.20%+4.38%
Volatility (annualized)30.6%18.5%
Max Drawdown-83.0%-45.8%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Aberdeen
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 10, 1999Jul 28, 2014

QQQ vs THQ Performance

Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Abrdn Healthcare Opportunities Fund (THQ) is a ETF from Aberdeen. Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% while THQ returned +40.14%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.31% versus a gain of 8.44% for THQ.

Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.79% per year against +11.72% for THQ; over five years the annualized figures are +15.20% and +4.38% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +3.86%. 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 18.5% for THQ. 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 -45.8% for THQ. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQQ charges 0.18% per year while THQ charges 1.46%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $146 annually, a gap of $128 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 10.84% for THQ.

Holdings Overlap

1.7%overlap

QQQ and THQ share 4 holdings out of 197 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in QQQWeight in THQDifference
ISRG0.64%4.03%3.39%
REGN0.30%1.49%1.19%
AMGN0.86%0.66%0.20%
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QQQ or THQ?

QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while THQ charges 1.46%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $128 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QQQ or THQ?

Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% vs +40.14% for THQ, so THQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QQQ annualized +13.10% vs +3.86% for THQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQQ or THQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.5% for THQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs THQ -45.8%.

Should I hold both QQQ and THQ?

QQQ and THQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and THQ?

QQQ and THQ share 4 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 197 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or THQ?

QQQ yields 0.41% while THQ yields 10.84%, so THQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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