QQQ vs VFMF
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard US Multifactor ETF
Quick Verdict
VFMF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VFMF offers more diversification with 597 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VFMF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $958M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.35% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 597 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +23.04% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +34.98% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +22.89% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +14.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 18.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -41.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Feb 13, 2018 |
QQQ vs VFMF Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard US Multifactor ETF (VFMF) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while VFMF returned +34.98%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 23.04% for VFMF.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +22.89% for VFMF; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +14.88% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +12.73%. 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 18.6% for VFMF. 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 -41.3% for VFMF. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VFMF charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $18 annually. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.35% for VFMF.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VFMF share 31 holdings out of 707 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or VFMF?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VFMF charges 0.18%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VFMF?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +34.98% for VFMF, so VFMF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +12.73% for VFMF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VFMF?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.6% for VFMF. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VFMF -41.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VFMF?
QQQ and VFMF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VFMF?
QQQ and VFMF share 31 common holdings with a 10.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 707 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VFMF?
QQQ yields 0.44% while VFMF yields 1.35%, so VFMF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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