QQQ vs WDEF
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs WisdomTree Europe Defense Fund ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | WDEF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $106M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.07% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 47 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +6.98% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +14.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 32.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -23.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jul 17, 2025 |
QQQ vs WDEF Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and WisdomTree Europe Defense Fund ETF (WDEF) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while WDEF returned +14.52%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 6.98% for WDEF.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WDEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.5% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -23.9% for WDEF. 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 0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while WDEF charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $45 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.07% for WDEF.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and WDEF share 0 holdings out of 143 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 WDEF?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while WDEF charges 0.45%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or WDEF?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +14.52% for WDEF, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +5.69% for WDEF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or WDEF?
WDEF has been the more volatile fund at 32.5% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs WDEF -23.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and WDEF?
QQQ and WDEF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and WDEF?
QQQ and WDEF share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 143 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or WDEF?
QQQ yields 0.44% while WDEF yields 0.07%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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