QQQ vs VGLT
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard Long Term Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
VGLT has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VGLT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $10.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 4.74% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 102 | |
| YTD Return | +15.47% | -2.15% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.44% | +0.18% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.47% | +0.61% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.22% | -6.90% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 12.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -47.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Nov 19, 2009 |
QQQ vs VGLT Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Long Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +24.44% while VGLT returned +0.18%. Year to date, QQQ is up 15.47% versus a loss of 2.15% for VGLT.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.47% per year against +0.61% for VGLT; over five years the annualized figures are +14.22% and -6.90% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.99% annualized vs +0.36%. 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 12.4% for VGLT. 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 -47.1% for VGLT. 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 0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VGLT charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $3 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 4.74% for VGLT.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VGLT share 0 holdings out of 134 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 VGLT?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VGLT charges 0.03%. VGLT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VGLT?
Over the past year QQQ returned +24.44% vs +0.18% for VGLT, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), QQQ annualized +12.99% vs +0.36% for VGLT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VGLT?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.4% for VGLT. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VGLT -47.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VGLT?
QQQ and VGLT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VGLT?
QQQ and VGLT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 134 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VGLT?
QQQ yields 0.44% while VGLT yields 4.74%, so VGLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.