QQQ vs VAMO
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Cambria Value and Momentum 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 | VAMO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.65% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $87M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.61% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 103 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +7.55% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +17.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +13.13% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +11.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 13.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -41.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Cambria Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 8, 2015 |
QQQ vs VAMO Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Cambria Value and Momentum ETF (VAMO) is a ETF from Cambria Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while VAMO returned +17.80%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 7.55% for VAMO.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +13.13% for VAMO; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +11.47% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +4.69%. 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 13.0% for VAMO. 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 -41.8% for VAMO. 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VAMO charges 0.65%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $65 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.61% for VAMO.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VAMO share 0 holdings out of 203 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 VAMO?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VAMO charges 0.65%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VAMO?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +17.80% for VAMO, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +4.69% for VAMO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VAMO?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.0% for VAMO. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VAMO -41.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VAMO?
QQQ and VAMO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VAMO?
QQQ and VAMO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 203 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VAMO?
QQQ yields 0.44% while VAMO yields 0.61%, so VAMO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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