QQQ vs VNLA
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Janus Henderson Short Duration Income ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VNLA offers more diversification with 386 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VNLA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.23% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $3.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 5.16% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 386 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +2.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +4.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +5.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +3.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 1.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -4.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Janus Henderson Investors | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Nov 16, 2016 |
QQQ vs VNLA Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Janus Henderson Short Duration Income ETF (VNLA) is a ETF from Janus Henderson Investors. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while VNLA returned +4.32%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 2.36% for VNLA.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +5.67% for VNLA; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +3.98% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +2.10%. 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 1.5% for VNLA. 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 -4.7% for VNLA. 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VNLA charges 0.23%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $23 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 5.16% for VNLA.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VNLA share 0 holdings out of 295 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 VNLA?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VNLA charges 0.23%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VNLA?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +4.32% for VNLA, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +2.10% for VNLA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VNLA?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 1.5% for VNLA. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VNLA -4.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VNLA?
QQQ and VNLA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VNLA?
QQQ and VNLA share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 295 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VNLA?
QQQ yields 0.44% while VNLA yields 5.16%, so VNLA 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.