QQQ vs VRTL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily 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 | VRTL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 1.50% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $52M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 2 | |
| YTD Return | +17.46% | - | |
| 1Y Return | +26.02% | -41.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.51% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 122.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -63.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | GraniteShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 25, 2025 |
QQQ vs VRTL Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF (VRTL) is a ETF from GraniteShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% while VRTL returned -41.38%.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VRTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 122.1% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -63.8% for VRTL. 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 0.14. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VRTL charges 1.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $150 annually, a gap of $132 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.00% for VRTL.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VRTL share 0 holdings out of 104 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 VRTL?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VRTL charges 1.50%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $132 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VRTL?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% vs -41.38% for VRTL, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +13.08% vs -41.32% for VRTL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VRTL?
VRTL has been the more volatile fund at 122.1% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VRTL -63.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VRTL?
QQQ and VRTL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.14, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VRTL?
QQQ and VRTL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VRTL?
QQQ yields 0.41% while VRTL yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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