QQQ vs TPLS
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. TPLS offers more diversification with 337 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | TPLS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $15M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 5.30% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 337 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | -0.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +2.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 3.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -3.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Thornburg Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Feb 5, 2025 |
QQQ vs TPLS Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF (TPLS) is a ETF from Thornburg Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while TPLS returned +2.43%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a loss of 0.39% for TPLS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 3.5% for TPLS. 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 -3.0% for TPLS. 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while TPLS charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $45 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 5.30% for TPLS.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and TPLS share 0 holdings out of 302 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 TPLS?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while TPLS charges 0.45%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or TPLS?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +2.43% for TPLS, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +3.58% for TPLS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or TPLS?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 3.5% for TPLS. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs TPLS -3.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and TPLS?
QQQ and TPLS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and TPLS?
QQQ and TPLS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 302 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or TPLS?
QQQ yields 0.44% while TPLS yields 5.30%, so TPLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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