QQQ vs VGHY
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGHY offers more diversification with 608 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VGHY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.22% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $293M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 4.52% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 608 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | -1.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +0.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | - | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -3.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Aug 27, 2025 |
QQQ vs VGHY Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF (VGHY) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while VGHY returned +0.69%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a loss of 1.07% for VGHY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -83.0% for QQQ and -3.1% for VGHY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VGHY charges 0.22%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $22 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 4.52% for VGHY.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VGHY share 0 holdings out of 128 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 VGHY?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VGHY charges 0.22%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VGHY?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +0.69% for VGHY, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VGHY?
QQQ and VGHY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 128 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VGHY?
QQQ yields 0.44% while VGHY yields 4.52%, so VGHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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