QQQ vs TSI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs TCW Strategic Income Fund Inc.
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. TSI offers more diversification with 746 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | TSI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 1.03% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | - | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 6.98% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 746 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | -7.37% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | -4.04% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +5.92% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +1.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 18.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -83.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | TCW Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 5, 1987 |
QQQ vs TSI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and TCW Strategic Income Fund Inc. (TSI) is a ETF from TCW Funds. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while TSI returned -4.04%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a loss of 7.37% for TSI.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +5.92% for TSI; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +1.45% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +0.19%. 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 18.3% for TSI. 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 -83.3% for TSI. 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while TSI charges 1.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $103 annually, a gap of $85 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 6.98% for TSI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and TSI share 0 holdings out of 349 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 TSI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while TSI charges 1.03%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $85 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or TSI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs -4.04% for TSI, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +0.19% for TSI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or TSI?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.3% for TSI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs TSI -83.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and TSI?
QQQ and TSI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and TSI?
QQQ and TSI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 349 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or TSI?
QQQ yields 0.44% while TSI yields 6.98%, so TSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.