CAFX vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCAFXQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.35%0.18%
AUM$321M$455.8B
Dividend Yield4.38%0.41%
Holdings50108
YTD Return-0.03%+12.48%
1Y Return+2.52%+22.35%
3Y Return (annualized)-+22.30%
5Y Return (annualized)-+14.24%
Volatility (annualized)2.6%30.6%
Max Drawdown-2.6%-83.0%
Fund FamilyCongress Asset Management CompanyInvesco (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionSep 9, 2024Mar 10, 1999

CAFX vs QQQ Performance

Congress Intermediate Bond ETF (CAFX) is a ETF from Congress Asset Management Company and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CAFX returned +2.52% while QQQ returned +22.35%. Year to date, CAFX is down 0.03% versus a gain of 12.48% for QQQ.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 2.6% for CAFX. 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 -2.6% for CAFX 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 0.12. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CAFX charges 0.35% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $18 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CAFX currently yields 4.38% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

CAFX and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 143 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, CAFX or QQQ?

CAFX has an expense ratio of 0.35% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CAFX or QQQ?

Over the past year CAFX returned +2.52% vs +22.35% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CAFX annualized +2.43% vs +12.91% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CAFX or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 2.6% for CAFX. Worst drawdown: CAFX -2.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both CAFX and QQQ?

CAFX and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.12, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between CAFX and QQQ?

CAFX and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 143 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CAFX or QQQ?

CAFX yields 4.38% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so CAFX currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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