QQQ vs VEGI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEGI offers more diversification with 159 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VEGI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.39% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $147M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.89% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 159 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +18.08% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +15.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +7.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +5.94% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 16.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -39.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 31, 2012 |
QQQ vs VEGI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF (VEGI) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while VEGI returned +15.90%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 18.08% for VEGI.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +7.83% for VEGI; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +5.94% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 16.0% for VEGI. 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 -39.7% for VEGI. 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VEGI charges 0.39%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $39 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.89% for VEGI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VEGI share 0 holdings out of 231 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 VEGI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VEGI charges 0.39%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VEGI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +15.90% for VEGI, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +4.89% for VEGI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VEGI?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.0% for VEGI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VEGI -39.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VEGI?
QQQ and VEGI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VEGI?
QQQ and VEGI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 231 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VEGI?
QQQ yields 0.44% while VEGI yields 1.89%, so VEGI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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