QQQ vs TSEL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Touchstone Sands Capital US Select Growth 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 | TSEL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.67% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $83M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 29 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +2.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +0.60% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 23.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -28.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Touchstone Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 2, 2025 |
QQQ vs TSEL Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Touchstone Sands Capital US Select Growth ETF (TSEL) is a ETF from Touchstone Investments. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while TSEL returned +0.60%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 2.10% for TSEL.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 23.0% for TSEL. 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 -28.9% for TSEL. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while TSEL charges 0.67%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $67 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.00% for TSEL.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and TSEL share 16 holdings out of 114 unique holdings combined, representing a 35.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or TSEL?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while TSEL charges 0.67%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or TSEL?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +0.60% for TSEL, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +7.33% for TSEL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or TSEL?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 23.0% for TSEL. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs TSEL -28.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and TSEL?
QQQ and TSEL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and TSEL?
QQQ and TSEL share 16 common holdings with a 35.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 114 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or TSEL?
QQQ yields 0.44% while TSEL yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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