QQQ vs VPC
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Virtus Private Credit Strategy ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VPC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 10.60% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $30M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 17.06% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 59 | |
| YTD Return | +17.46% | -6.61% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.02% | -10.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.51% | +1.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | +1.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 20.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -55.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Feb 7, 2019 |
QQQ vs VPC Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Virtus Private Credit Strategy ETF (VPC) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% while VPC returned -10.63%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.46% versus a loss of 6.61% for VPC.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.51% per year against +1.00% for VPC; over five years the annualized figures are +15.12% and +1.68% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +1.82%. 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 20.5% for VPC. 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 -55.3% for VPC. 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VPC charges 10.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $1060 annually, a gap of $1042 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 17.06% for VPC.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VPC share 0 holdings out of 161 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 VPC?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VPC charges 10.60%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1042 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VPC?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% vs -10.63% for VPC, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), QQQ annualized +13.08% vs +1.82% for VPC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VPC?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.5% for VPC. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VPC -55.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VPC?
QQQ and VPC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VPC?
QQQ and VPC share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 161 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VPC?
QQQ yields 0.41% while VPC yields 17.06%, so VPC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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