QQQ vs VTEB
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
VTEB has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTEB offers more diversification with 3533 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VTEB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $46.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 3.34% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 9,952 | |
| YTD Return | +18.31% | +0.59% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.37% | +4.98% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.79% | +3.13% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.20% | +0.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 4.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -17.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Aug 21, 2015 |
QQQ vs VTEB Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% while VTEB returned +4.98%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.31% versus a gain of 0.59% for VTEB.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.79% per year against +3.13% for VTEB; over five years the annualized figures are +15.20% and +0.63% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +1.27%. 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 4.9% for VTEB. 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 -17.0% for VTEB. 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VTEB charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $3 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 3.34% for VTEB.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VTEB share 0 holdings out of 3636 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 VTEB?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VTEB charges 0.03%. VTEB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VTEB?
Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% vs +4.98% for VTEB, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QQQ annualized +13.10% vs +1.27% for VTEB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VTEB?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.9% for VTEB. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VTEB -17.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VTEB?
QQQ and VTEB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VTEB?
QQQ and VTEB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3636 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VTEB?
QQQ yields 0.41% while VTEB yields 3.34%, so VTEB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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