QQQ vs VIGI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF
Quick Verdict
VIGI has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VIGI offers more diversification with 369 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VIGI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $9.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.03% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 369 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +8.74% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +12.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +12.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +5.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 13.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -31.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Feb 25, 2016 |
QQQ vs VIGI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIGI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while VIGI returned +12.79%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 8.74% for VIGI.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +12.72% for VIGI; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +5.01% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +8.04%. 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 13.4% for VIGI. 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 -31.2% for VIGI. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VIGI charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $7 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 2.03% for VIGI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VIGI share 0 holdings out of 443 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 VIGI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VIGI charges 0.07%. VIGI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VIGI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +12.79% for VIGI, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +8.04% for VIGI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VIGI?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.4% for VIGI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VIGI -31.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VIGI?
QQQ and VIGI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VIGI?
QQQ and VIGI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 443 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VIGI?
QQQ yields 0.44% while VIGI yields 2.03%, so VIGI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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