QQQ vs UPGD
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Invesco Bloomberg Analyst Rating Improvers 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 | UPGD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.40% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $122M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.57% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 52 | |
| YTD Return | +19.52% | +13.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.68% | +16.46% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.64% | +14.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | +8.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 21.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -60.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 19, 2006 |
QQQ vs UPGD Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Invesco Bloomberg Analyst Rating Improvers ETF (UPGD) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% while UPGD returned +16.46%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.52% versus a gain of 13.95% for UPGD.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.64% per year against +14.40% for UPGD; over five years the annualized figures are +15.36% and +8.36% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +8.05%. 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 21.2% for UPGD. 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 -60.7% for UPGD. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while UPGD charges 0.40%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $40 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.57% for UPGD.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and UPGD share 9 holdings out of 144 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or UPGD?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while UPGD charges 0.40%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or UPGD?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% vs +16.46% for UPGD, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQQ annualized +13.14% vs +8.05% for UPGD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or UPGD?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 21.2% for UPGD. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs UPGD -60.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and UPGD?
QQQ and UPGD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and UPGD?
QQQ and UPGD share 9 common holdings with a 7.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 144 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or UPGD?
QQQ yields 0.44% while UPGD yields 1.57%, so UPGD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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