TQQQ vs VTI
ProShares UltraPro QQQ vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. TQQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TQQQ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.82% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $38.9B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.58% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 128 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +36.49% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +65.64% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +57.14% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.08% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 55.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -81.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 9, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
TQQQ vs VTI Performance
ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TQQQ returned +65.64% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, TQQQ is up 36.49% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, TQQQ compounded at +57.14% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +16.08% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, TQQQ has the edge at +42.46% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TQQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 55.2% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -81.7% for TQQQ and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TQQQ charges 0.82% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $82 vs $3 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TQQQ currently yields 0.58% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
TQQQ and VTI share 90 holdings out of 2801 unique holdings combined, representing a 28.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TQQQ or VTI?
TQQQ has an expense ratio of 0.82% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TQQQ or VTI?
Over the past year TQQQ returned +65.64% vs +22.35% for VTI, so TQQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), TQQQ annualized +42.46% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TQQQ or VTI?
TQQQ has been the more volatile fund at 55.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: TQQQ -81.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both TQQQ and VTI?
TQQQ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between TQQQ and VTI?
TQQQ and VTI share 90 common holdings with a 28.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2801 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TQQQ or VTI?
TQQQ yields 0.58% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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