QQQ vs USAI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Pacer American Energy Infrastructure 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 | USAI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $133M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 4.12% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 37 | |
| YTD Return | +19.52% | +26.15% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.68% | +25.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.64% | +25.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | +21.41% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 28.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -69.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Pacer ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 12, 2017 |
QQQ vs USAI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Pacer American Energy Infrastructure ETF (USAI) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% while USAI returned +25.94%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.52% versus a gain of 26.15% for USAI.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.64% per year against +25.44% for USAI; over five years the annualized figures are +15.36% and +21.41% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +11.24%. 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 28.6% for USAI. 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 -69.3% for USAI. 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while USAI charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $75 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 4.12% for USAI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and USAI share 0 holdings out of 137 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 USAI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while USAI charges 0.75%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or USAI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% vs +25.94% for USAI, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), QQQ annualized +13.14% vs +11.24% for USAI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or USAI?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 28.6% for USAI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs USAI -69.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and USAI?
QQQ and USAI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and USAI?
QQQ and USAI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 137 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or USAI?
QQQ yields 0.44% while USAI yields 4.12%, so USAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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