QQQ vs VGSH
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
VGSH has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VGSH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $34.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.85% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 94 | |
| YTD Return | +19.52% | +1.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.68% | +2.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.64% | +4.38% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | +1.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 1.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -6.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Nov 19, 2009 |
QQQ vs VGSH Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% while VGSH returned +2.95%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.52% versus a gain of 1.13% for VGSH.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.64% per year against +4.38% for VGSH; over five years the annualized figures are +15.36% and +1.95% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +0.73%. 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 1.4% for VGSH. 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 -6.7% for VGSH. 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 0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VGSH 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 3.85% for VGSH.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VGSH share 0 holdings out of 118 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 VGSH?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VGSH charges 0.03%. VGSH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VGSH?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% vs +2.95% for VGSH, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), QQQ annualized +13.14% vs +0.73% for VGSH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VGSH?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 1.4% for VGSH. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VGSH -6.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VGSH?
QQQ and VGSH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VGSH?
QQQ and VGSH share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 118 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VGSH?
QQQ yields 0.44% while VGSH yields 3.85%, so VGSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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