QQQ vs VWIUX
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class
Quick Verdict
VWIUX has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWIUX offers more diversification with 15,066 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VWIUX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $86.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 15,066 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | -1.81% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +0.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +0.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | -1.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 5.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -16.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Feb 12, 2001 |
QQQ vs VWIUX Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while VWIUX returned +0.89%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a loss of 1.81% for VWIUX.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +0.67% for VWIUX; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and -1.82% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs -1.82%. 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 5.4% for VWIUX. 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 -16.1% for VWIUX. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VWIUX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $9 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 3.13% for VWIUX.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VWIUX share 0 holdings out of 1865 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 VWIUX?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VWIUX charges 0.09%. VWIUX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VWIUX?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +0.89% for VWIUX, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs -1.82% for VWIUX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VWIUX?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 5.4% for VWIUX. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VWIUX -16.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VWIUX?
QQQ and VWIUX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VWIUX?
QQQ and VWIUX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1865 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VWIUX?
QQQ yields 0.44% while VWIUX yields 3.13%, so VWIUX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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