QQQ vs VNSE
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VNSE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.80% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $15M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.20% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 29 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +8.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +14.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +13.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +8.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 16.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -24.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Natixis Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 17, 2020 |
QQQ vs VNSE Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF (VNSE) is a ETF from Natixis Funds. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while VNSE returned +14.36%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 8.07% for VNSE.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +13.22% for VNSE; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +8.70% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VNSE has the edge at +13.91% annualized vs +13.03%. 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 16.3% for VNSE. 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 -24.2% for VNSE. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VNSE charges 0.80%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $80 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.20% for VNSE.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VNSE share 10 holdings out of 119 unique holdings combined, representing a 24.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or VNSE?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VNSE charges 0.80%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VNSE?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +14.36% for VNSE, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +13.91% for VNSE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VNSE?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.3% for VNSE. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VNSE -24.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VNSE?
QQQ and VNSE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VNSE?
QQQ and VNSE share 10 common holdings with a 24.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 119 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VNSE?
QQQ yields 0.44% while VNSE yields 0.20%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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