QQQ vs VTG
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard Total Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
VTG has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTG offers more diversification with 286 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VTG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $147M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.56% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 286 | |
| YTD Return | +19.52% | -0.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.68% | +1.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.64% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 3.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -2.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jul 7, 2025 |
QQQ vs VTG Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% while VTG returned +1.71%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.52% versus a loss of 0.31% for VTG.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 3.2% for VTG. 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 -2.9% for VTG. 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VTG 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 0.44% against 3.56% for VTG.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VTG share 0 holdings out of 336 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 VTG?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VTG charges 0.03%. VTG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VTG?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% vs +1.71% for VTG, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +13.14% vs +2.26% for VTG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VTG?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 3.2% for VTG. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VTG -2.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VTG?
QQQ and VTG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VTG?
QQQ and VTG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 336 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VTG?
QQQ yields 0.44% while VTG yields 3.56%, so VTG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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