QQQ vs XCEM
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF
Quick Verdict
XCEM has a lower expense ratio. XCEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. XCEM offers more diversification with 471 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | XCEM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.16% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $2.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.77% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 471 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +28.91% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +51.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +24.82% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +12.08% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 19.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -41.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 1, 2015 |
QQQ vs XCEM Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while XCEM returned +51.80%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 28.91% for XCEM.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +24.82% for XCEM; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +12.08% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +11.88%. 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 19.6% for XCEM. 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 -41.2% for XCEM. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while XCEM charges 0.16%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $16 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 2.77% for XCEM.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and XCEM share 0 holdings out of 545 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 XCEM?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XCEM charges 0.16%. XCEM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or XCEM?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +51.80% for XCEM, so XCEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +11.88% for XCEM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XCEM?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.6% for XCEM. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XCEM -41.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XCEM?
QQQ and XCEM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and XCEM?
QQQ and XCEM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 545 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XCEM?
QQQ yields 0.44% while XCEM yields 2.77%, so XCEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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