QQQ vs VTN
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Invesco Trust for Investment Grade New York Municipals
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTN offers more diversification with 183 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VTN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 2.69% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $3,218.67 | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 7.78% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 183 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | -2.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +13.10% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +10.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +0.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -100.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 27, 1992 |
QQQ vs VTN Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Invesco Trust for Investment Grade New York Municipals (VTN) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while VTN returned +13.10%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a loss of 2.52% for VTN.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +10.24% for VTN; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +0.46% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +0.01%. 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 13.7% for VTN. 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 -100.0% for VTN. 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 0.14. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VTN charges 2.69%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $269 annually, a gap of $251 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 7.78% for VTN.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VTN share 0 holdings out of 176 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 VTN?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VTN charges 2.69%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $251 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VTN?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +13.10% for VTN, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +0.01% for VTN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VTN?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.7% for VTN. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VTN -100.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VTN?
QQQ and VTN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.14, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VTN?
QQQ and VTN share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 176 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VTN?
QQQ yields 0.44% while VTN yields 7.78%, so VTN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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