QQQ vs VFQY
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard US Quality Factor ETF
Quick Verdict
VFQY has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VFQY offers more diversification with 409 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VFQY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.13% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $485M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.04% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 409 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +15.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +21.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +17.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +9.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 18.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -37.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Feb 13, 2018 |
QQQ vs VFQY Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard US Quality Factor ETF (VFQY) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while VFQY returned +21.06%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 15.70% for VFQY.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +17.30% for VFQY; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +9.29% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +11.78%. 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 18.2% for VFQY. 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 -37.4% for VFQY. 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VFQY charges 0.13%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $13 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.04% for VFQY.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VFQY share 32 holdings out of 512 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or VFQY?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VFQY charges 0.13%. VFQY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VFQY?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +21.06% for VFQY, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +11.78% for VFQY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VFQY?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.2% for VFQY. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VFQY -37.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VFQY?
QQQ and VFQY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VFQY?
QQQ and VFQY share 32 common holdings with a 15.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VFQY?
QQQ yields 0.44% while VFQY yields 1.04%, so VFQY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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