QQQ vs TPLC
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. TPLC offers more diversification with 271 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | TPLC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.52% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $318M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.83% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 271 | |
| YTD Return | +17.89% | +12.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.35% | +12.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.02% | +13.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.59% | +7.92% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 17.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -38.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Timothy Plan | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 5, 2019 |
QQQ vs TPLC Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF (TPLC) is a ETF from Timothy Plan. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.35% while TPLC returned +12.23%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.89% versus a gain of 12.40% for TPLC.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.02% per year against +13.83% for TPLC; over five years the annualized figures are +14.59% and +7.92% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.07% annualized vs +11.10%. 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 17.1% for TPLC. 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 -38.1% for TPLC. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while TPLC charges 0.52%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $52 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.83% for TPLC.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and TPLC share 39 holdings out of 331 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or TPLC?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while TPLC charges 0.52%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or TPLC?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.35% vs +12.23% for TPLC, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QQQ annualized +13.07% vs +11.10% for TPLC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or TPLC?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.1% for TPLC. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs TPLC -38.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and TPLC?
QQQ and TPLC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and TPLC?
QQQ and TPLC share 39 common holdings with a 10.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 331 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or TPLC?
QQQ yields 0.44% while TPLC yields 0.83%, so TPLC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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