QQQ vs TIER
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs T. Rowe Price International Equity Research ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. TIER delivered stronger 1-year returns. TIER offers more diversification with 347 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | TIER | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.38% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $45M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.66% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 347 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +15.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -12.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | T.Rowe Price | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jun 25, 2025 |
QQQ vs TIER Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and T. Rowe Price International Equity Research ETF (TIER) is a ETF from T.Rowe Price. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while TIER returned +27.38%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 15.49% for TIER.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 14.2% for TIER. 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 -12.1% for TIER. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while TIER charges 0.38%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $38 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.66% for TIER.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and TIER share 0 holdings out of 264 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 TIER?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while TIER charges 0.38%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or TIER?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +27.38% for TIER, so TIER leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +26.91% for TIER. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or TIER?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.2% for TIER. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs TIER -12.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and TIER?
QQQ and TIER have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and TIER?
QQQ and TIER share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 264 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or TIER?
QQQ yields 0.44% while TIER yields 0.66%, so TIER currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.