QQQ vs WISE
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | WISE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $26M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 4.16% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 48 | |
| YTD Return | +18.20% | -4.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.63% | +4.34% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.54% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 31.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -39.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Themes ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 8, 2023 |
QQQ vs WISE Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE) is a ETF from Themes ETFs. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% while WISE returned +4.34%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.20% versus a loss of 4.52% for WISE.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WISE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.7% 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 -39.1% for WISE. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while WISE charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $35 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 4.16% for WISE.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and WISE share 7 holdings out of 137 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or WISE?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while WISE charges 0.35%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or WISE?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% vs +4.34% for WISE, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +13.11% vs +18.29% for WISE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or WISE?
WISE has been the more volatile fund at 31.7% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs WISE -39.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and WISE?
QQQ and WISE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and WISE?
QQQ and WISE share 7 common holdings with a 19.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 137 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or WISE?
QQQ yields 0.41% while WISE yields 4.16%, so WISE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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