QQQ vs UTF

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. UTF offers more diversification with 242 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: UTF

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQUTFWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%3.42%
AUM$455.8B$3,053.86
Dividend Yield0.41%6.75%
Holdings108297
YTD Return+18.20%+16.12%
1Y Return+27.63%+8.19%
3Y Return (annualized)+25.54%+14.35%
5Y Return (annualized)+15.12%+6.56%
Volatility (annualized)30.6%20.2%
Max Drawdown-83.0%-76.7%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Cohen & Steers Funds
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 10, 1999Mar 30, 2004

QQQ vs UTF Performance

Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund Inc (UTF) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% while UTF returned +8.19%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.20% versus a gain of 16.12% for UTF.

Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.54% per year against +14.35% for UTF; over five years the annualized figures are +15.12% and +6.56% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +3.26%. 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 20.2% for UTF. 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 -76.7% for UTF. 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQQ charges 0.18% per year while UTF charges 3.42%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $342 annually, a gap of $324 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 6.75% for UTF.

Holdings Overlap

0.6%overlap

QQQ and UTF share 2 holdings out of 343 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in QQQWeight in UTFDifference
CSX0.41%3.29%2.88%
XEL0.22%0.62%0.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QQQ or UTF?

QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while UTF charges 3.42%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $324 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QQQ or UTF?

Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% vs +8.19% for UTF, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), QQQ annualized +13.11% vs +3.26% for UTF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQQ or UTF?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.2% for UTF. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs UTF -76.7%.

Should I hold both QQQ and UTF?

QQQ and UTF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and UTF?

QQQ and UTF share 2 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 343 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or UTF?

QQQ yields 0.41% while UTF yields 6.75%, so UTF currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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