QQQ vs VRAI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Virtus Real Asset Income ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. VRAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VRAI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.55% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $19M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.82% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 91 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +24.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +28.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +13.90% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +7.06% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 19.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -48.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Feb 7, 2019 |
QQQ vs VRAI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Virtus Real Asset Income ETF (VRAI) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while VRAI returned +28.86%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 24.96% for VRAI.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +13.90% for VRAI; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +7.06% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +5.66%. 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 19.8% for VRAI. 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 -48.9% for VRAI. 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 VRAI charges 0.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $55 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 2.82% for VRAI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VRAI share 3 holdings out of 189 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or VRAI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VRAI charges 0.55%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VRAI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +28.86% for VRAI, so VRAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +5.66% for VRAI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VRAI?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.8% for VRAI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VRAI -48.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VRAI?
QQQ and VRAI 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 VRAI?
QQQ and VRAI share 3 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 189 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VRAI?
QQQ yields 0.44% while VRAI yields 2.82%, so VRAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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