QQQ vs UTES
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Virtus Reaves Utilities 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 | UTES | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.49% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $1.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.53% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 19 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | -7.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | -5.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +20.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +12.76% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 16.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -35.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 23, 2015 |
QQQ vs UTES Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF (UTES) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while UTES returned -5.22%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a loss of 7.49% for UTES.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +20.66% for UTES; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +12.76% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +11.48%. 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 16.2% for UTES. 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 -35.7% for UTES. 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while UTES charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $49 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.53% for UTES.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and UTES share 3 holdings out of 117 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or UTES?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while UTES charges 0.49%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or UTES?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs -5.22% for UTES, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +11.48% for UTES. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or UTES?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.2% for UTES. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs UTES -35.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and UTES?
QQQ and UTES have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and UTES?
QQQ and UTES share 3 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 117 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or UTES?
QQQ yields 0.44% while UTES yields 1.53%, so UTES currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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