QQQ vs VCEB
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard ESG US Corporate Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
VCEB has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VCEB offers more diversification with 2566 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VCEB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.12% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $1.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 4.63% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 2,754 | |
| YTD Return | +18.31% | -3.32% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.37% | -1.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.79% | +4.11% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.20% | -0.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 7.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -21.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 22, 2020 |
QQQ vs VCEB Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard ESG US Corporate Bond ETF (VCEB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% while VCEB returned -1.24%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.31% versus a loss of 3.32% for VCEB.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.79% per year against +4.11% for VCEB; over five years the annualized figures are +15.20% and -0.56% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs -0.34%. 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 7.4% for VCEB. 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 -21.7% for VCEB. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VCEB charges 0.12%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $12 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 4.63% for VCEB.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VCEB share 1 holdings out of 2668 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in VCEB | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDP | 0.19% | 0.01% | 0.18% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or VCEB?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VCEB charges 0.12%. VCEB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VCEB?
Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% vs -1.24% for VCEB, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), QQQ annualized +13.10% vs -0.34% for VCEB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VCEB?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 7.4% for VCEB. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VCEB -21.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VCEB?
QQQ and VCEB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VCEB?
QQQ and VCEB share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2668 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VCEB?
QQQ yields 0.41% while VCEB yields 4.63%, so VCEB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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