QQQ vs VSHY
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VSHY offers more diversification with 197 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VSHY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.39% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $32M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 6.28% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 197 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +2.73% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +5.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +8.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +4.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 6.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -18.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 5, 2016 |
QQQ vs VSHY Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Virtus Newfleet Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF (VSHY) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while VSHY returned +5.50%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 2.73% for VSHY.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +8.14% for VSHY; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +4.10% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +2.14%. 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 6.2% for VSHY. 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 -18.6% for VSHY. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VSHY charges 0.39%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $39 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 6.28% for VSHY.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VSHY 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 VSHY?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VSHY charges 0.39%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VSHY?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +5.50% for VSHY, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +2.14% for VSHY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VSHY?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.2% for VSHY. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VSHY -18.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VSHY?
QQQ and VSHY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VSHY?
QQQ and VSHY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VSHY?
QQQ yields 0.44% while VSHY yields 6.28%, so VSHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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