QQQ vs VRTL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF
Which is better, QQQ or VRTL?
Large Cap Growth against Trading-Leveraged Equity.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over the full window, VRTL over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VRTL |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18%Best | 1.50% |
| AUM | $483.5B | $44M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 107 | 2 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.0%Best | 122.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -49.5%Best | -63.8% |
| $10,000 over 1 years | $6,157Best | $5,868 |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | GraniteShares |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Trading-Leveraged Equity |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 25, 2025 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 6468 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. QQQ has data through Sep 18, 2026 and VRTL through Jan 2, 2009.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 2, 2008 to Jan 2, 2009 (1 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VRTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 122.1% compared with 29.0% 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 -49.5% for QQQ and -63.8% for VRTL. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.14. They move largely independently of each other.
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 0.44% against 0.00% for VRTL.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of QQQ and VRTL you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $132 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VRTL?
VRTL has been the more volatile fund at 122.1% annualized versus 29.0% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -49.5% vs VRTL -63.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VRTL?
QQQ and VRTL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.14, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VRTL?
QQQ yields 0.44% while VRTL yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VRTL better than QQQ?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over the full window, VRTL over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.