QQQ vs VCLN
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. VCLN delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VCLN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $6M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.94% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 45 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +5.90% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +28.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +16.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +2.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 27.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -45.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Aug 3, 2021 |
QQQ vs VCLN Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while VCLN returned +28.58%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 5.90% for VCLN.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +16.19% for VCLN; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +2.44% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +2.59%. 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 27.4% for VCLN. 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 -45.7% for VCLN. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VCLN charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $59 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.94% for VCLN.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VCLN share 1 holdings out of 142 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in VCLN | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEG | 0.42% | 1.89% | 1.47% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or VCLN?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VCLN charges 0.59%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VCLN?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +28.58% for VCLN, so VCLN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +2.59% for VCLN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VCLN?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 27.4% for VCLN. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VCLN -45.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VCLN?
QQQ and VCLN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VCLN?
QQQ and VCLN share 1 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 142 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VCLN?
QQQ yields 0.44% while VCLN yields 1.94%, so VCLN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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