QQQ vs TLCI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Touchstone International Equity ETF
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 | TLCI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.37% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $115M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.58% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 34 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +7.03% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +7.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 11.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -12.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Touchstone Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 3, 2025 |
QQQ vs TLCI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Touchstone International Equity ETF (TLCI) is a ETF from Touchstone Investments. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while TLCI returned +7.85%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 7.03% for TLCI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 11.7% for TLCI. 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 -12.2% for TLCI. 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while TLCI charges 0.37%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $37 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.58% for TLCI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and TLCI share 1 holdings out of 131 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in TLCI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASL:AS | 0.68% | 3.64% | 2.96% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or TLCI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while TLCI charges 0.37%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or TLCI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +7.85% for TLCI, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +8.00% for TLCI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or TLCI?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 11.7% for TLCI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs TLCI -12.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and TLCI?
QQQ and TLCI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and TLCI?
QQQ and TLCI share 1 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 131 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or TLCI?
QQQ yields 0.44% while TLCI yields 0.58%, so TLCI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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