BOND vs QQQ
BOND vs QQQ
PIMCO Active Bond Exchange-Traded Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. BOND offers more diversification with 1027 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BOND | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.54% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $8.4B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.15% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 1,944 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.45% | +14.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.60% | +24.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.90% | +24.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.11% | +14.49% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 29, 2012 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BOND vs QQQ Performance
PIMCO Active Bond Exchange-Traded Fund (BOND) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BOND returned +2.60% while QQQ returned +24.70%. Year to date, BOND is down 0.45% versus a gain of 14.45% for QQQ.
Over three years, BOND compounded at +4.90% per year against +24.19% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -0.11% and +14.49% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.98% annualized vs +0.85%. 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 5.0% for BOND. 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 -19.7% for BOND and -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BOND charges 0.54% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $54 vs $18 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BOND currently yields 5.15% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
BOND and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 1130 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, BOND or QQQ?
BOND has an expense ratio of 0.54% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BOND or QQQ?
Over the past year BOND returned +2.60% vs +24.70% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), BOND annualized +0.85% vs +12.98% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BOND or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 5.0% for BOND. Worst drawdown: BOND -19.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BOND and QQQ?
BOND and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BOND and QQQ?
BOND and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1130 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BOND or QQQ?
BOND yields 5.15% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so BOND currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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