QQQ vs VSTL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VSTL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 1.29% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $10M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 11 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | -49.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | -66.49% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 44.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -73.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Defiance ETFs, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jul 21, 2025 |
QQQ vs VSTL Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF (VSTL) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while VSTL returned -66.49%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a loss of 49.29% for VSTL.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VSTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 44.9% 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 -73.9% for VSTL. 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VSTL charges 1.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $129 annually, a gap of $111 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.00% for VSTL.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VSTL 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 VSTL?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VSTL charges 1.29%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $111 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VSTL?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs -66.49% for VSTL, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs -64.15% for VSTL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VSTL?
VSTL has been the more volatile fund at 44.9% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VSTL -73.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VSTL?
QQQ and VSTL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VSTL?
QQQ and VSTL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VSTL?
QQQ yields 0.44% while VSTL yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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