QQQ vs VTEI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
VTEI has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTEI offers more diversification with 5,977 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VTEI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $1.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.09% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5,977 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | -1.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +1.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 3.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -3.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 26, 2024 |
QQQ vs VTEI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while VTEI returned +1.90%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a loss of 1.63% for VTEI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 3.4% for VTEI. 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 -3.6% for VTEI. 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VTEI charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $8 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 3.09% for VTEI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VTEI share 0 holdings out of 835 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 VTEI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VTEI charges 0.08%. VTEI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VTEI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +1.90% for VTEI, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +1.75% for VTEI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VTEI?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 3.4% for VTEI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VTEI -3.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VTEI?
QQQ and VTEI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VTEI?
QQQ and VTEI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 835 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VTEI?
QQQ yields 0.44% while VTEI yields 3.09%, so VTEI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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