QQQ vs XC

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. XC offers more diversification with 486 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: XC

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQXCWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%0.32%
AUM$455.8B$79M
Dividend Yield0.41%12.29%
Holdings108502
YTD Return+18.31%-0.37%
1Y Return+25.37%+5.59%
3Y Return (annualized)+25.79%+10.77%
5Y Return (annualized)+15.20%-
Volatility (annualized)30.6%13.9%
Max Drawdown-83.0%-21.0%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)WisdomTree Investments
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 10, 1999Sep 20, 2022

QQQ vs XC Performance

Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and WisdomTree True Emerging Markets Fund (XC) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% while XC returned +5.59%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.31% versus a loss of 0.37% for XC.

Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.79% per year against +10.77% for XC. Across the full 4-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +11.52%. 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 13.9% for XC. 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 -21.0% for XC. 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQQ charges 0.18% per year while XC charges 0.32%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $32 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 12.29% for XC.

Holdings Overlap

0.4%overlap

QQQ and XC share 1 holdings out of 588 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in QQQWeight in XCDifference
MELI0.42%3.44%3.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QQQ or XC?

QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XC charges 0.32%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QQQ or XC?

Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% vs +5.59% for XC, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), QQQ annualized +13.10% vs +11.52% for XC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQQ or XC?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.9% for XC. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XC -21.0%.

Should I hold both QQQ and XC?

QQQ and XC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and XC?

QQQ and XC share 1 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 588 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XC?

QQQ yields 0.41% while XC yields 12.29%, so XC currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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