QQQ vs TPZ
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Tortoise Essential Energy Fund
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. TPZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | TPZ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $121M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.15% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 35 | |
| YTD Return | +19.52% | +3.09% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.68% | +58.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.64% | +23.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 24.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -87.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Tortoise Capital | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jul 29, 2009 |
QQQ vs TPZ Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Tortoise Essential Energy Fund (TPZ) is a ETF from Tortoise Capital. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% while TPZ returned +58.31%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.52% versus a gain of 3.09% for TPZ.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.64% per year against +23.77% for TPZ; over five years the annualized figures are +15.36% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +8.26%. 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 24.4% for TPZ. 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 -87.9% for TPZ. 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while TPZ charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $85 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 3.15% for TPZ.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or TPZ?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while TPZ charges 0.85%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or TPZ?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% vs +58.31% for TPZ, so TPZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), QQQ annualized +13.14% vs +8.26% for TPZ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or TPZ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 24.4% for TPZ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs TPZ -87.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and TPZ?
QQQ and TPZ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and TPZ?
QQQ and TPZ share 2 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 131 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or TPZ?
QQQ yields 0.44% while TPZ yields 3.15%, so TPZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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