QQQ vs VOT
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VOT has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOT offers more diversification with 129 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $19.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.62% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 129 | |
| YTD Return | +19.52% | +12.01% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.68% | +10.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.64% | +16.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | +6.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 18.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Aug 17, 2006 |
QQQ vs VOT Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% while VOT returned +10.75%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.52% versus a gain of 12.01% for VOT.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.64% per year against +16.66% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are +15.36% and +6.13% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +9.75%. 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 18.6% for VOT. 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 -60.3% for VOT. 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VOT charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $5 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.62% for VOT.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VOT share 26 holdings out of 197 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or VOT?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VOT charges 0.05%. VOT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VOT?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% vs +10.75% for VOT, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQQ annualized +13.14% vs +9.75% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VOT?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.6% for VOT. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VOT -60.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VOT?
QQQ and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VOT?
QQQ and VOT share 26 common holdings with a 7.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 197 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VOT?
QQQ yields 0.44% while VOT yields 0.62%, so VOT 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.