QQQ vs USRD
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Themes US R&D Champions ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | USRD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.29% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $1M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.37% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 103 | |
| YTD Return | +17.46% | +11.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.02% | +11.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.51% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 16.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -22.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Themes ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 13, 2023 |
QQQ vs USRD Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Themes US R&D Champions ETF (USRD) is a ETF from Themes ETFs. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% while USRD returned +11.19%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.46% versus a gain of 11.85% for USRD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 16.7% for USRD. 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 -22.7% for USRD. 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 0.90. 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 USRD charges 0.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $29 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.37% for USRD.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and USRD share 34 holdings out of 120 unique holdings combined, representing a 32.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or USRD?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while USRD charges 0.29%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or USRD?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% vs +11.19% for USRD, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +13.08% vs +17.96% for USRD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or USRD?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.7% for USRD. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs USRD -22.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and USRD?
QQQ and USRD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 USRD?
QQQ and USRD share 34 common holdings with a 32.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 120 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or USRD?
QQQ yields 0.41% while USRD yields 0.37%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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