QQQX vs VYM
Nuveen NASDAQ 100 Dynamic Overwrite Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. QQQX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.92% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $173M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.98% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 284 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.33% | +15.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.64% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.94% | +18.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.62% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QQQX vs VYM Performance
Nuveen NASDAQ 100 Dynamic Overwrite Fund (QQQX) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQX returned +23.64% while VYM returned +21.96%. Year to date, QQQX is up 12.33% versus a gain of 15.36% for VYM.
Over three years, QQQX compounded at +18.94% per year against +18.85% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.62% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.03% annualized vs +4.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.2% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -63.4% for QQQX and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQX charges 0.92% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $92 vs $4 annually, a gap of $88 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQX currently yields 7.98% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QQQX and VYM share 57 holdings out of 807 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQX or VYM?
QQQX has an expense ratio of 0.92% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $88 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQX or VYM?
Over the past year QQQX returned +23.64% vs +21.96% for VYM, so QQQX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQQX annualized +4.41% vs +7.03% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQX or VYM?
QQQX has been the more volatile fund at 20.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: QQQX -63.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QQQX and VYM?
QQQX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQX and VYM?
QQQX and VYM share 57 common holdings with a 13.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 807 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQX or VYM?
QQQX yields 7.98% while VYM yields 2.24%, so QQQX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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