QQQ vs VIS
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard Industrials ETF
Quick Verdict
VIS has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VIS offers more diversification with 383 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VIS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $8.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 1.21% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 387 | |
| YTD Return | +18.31% | +18.01% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.37% | +24.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.79% | +21.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.20% | +13.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 19.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -64.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 23, 2004 |
QQQ vs VIS Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Industrials ETF (VIS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% while VIS returned +24.13%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.31% versus a gain of 18.01% for VIS.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.79% per year against +21.14% for VIS; over five years the annualized figures are +15.20% and +13.71% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +9.85%. 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 19.0% for VIS. 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 -64.9% for VIS. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VIS charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $9 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 1.21% for VIS.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VIS share 11 holdings out of 475 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or VIS?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VIS charges 0.09%. VIS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VIS?
Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% vs +24.13% for VIS, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), QQQ annualized +13.10% vs +9.85% for VIS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VIS?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.0% for VIS. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VIS -64.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VIS?
QQQ and VIS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VIS?
QQQ and VIS share 11 common holdings with a 2.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 475 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VIS?
QQQ yields 0.41% while VIS yields 1.21%, so VIS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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