QQQ vs YLD
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Principal Active High Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. YLD offers more diversification with 148 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | YLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.39% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $591M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 7.32% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 148 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +3.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +5.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +8.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +4.80% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 8.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -30.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Principal Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jul 8, 2015 |
QQQ vs YLD Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) is a ETF from Principal Funds. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while YLD returned +5.79%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 3.79% for YLD.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +8.60% for YLD; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +4.80% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +2.63%. 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 8.7% for YLD. 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 -30.3% for YLD. 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while YLD charges 0.39%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $39 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 7.32% for YLD.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and YLD share 0 holdings out of 211 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 YLD?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while YLD charges 0.39%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or YLD?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +5.79% for YLD, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +2.63% for YLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or YLD?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 8.7% for YLD. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs YLD -30.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and YLD?
QQQ and YLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and YLD?
QQQ and YLD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 211 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or YLD?
QQQ yields 0.44% while YLD yields 7.32%, so YLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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