CPLS vs QQQ
CPLS vs QQQ
AB Core Plus Bond ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. CPLS offers more diversification with 400 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CPLS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $211M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.70% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 810 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.82% | +12.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.21% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CPLS vs QQQ Performance
AB Core Plus Bond ETF (CPLS) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CPLS returned +2.21% while QQQ returned +22.35%. Year to date, CPLS is down 0.82% 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 4.3% for CPLS. 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 -4.1% for CPLS 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CPLS charges 0.30% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $18 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CPLS currently yields 4.70% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CPLS and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 503 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, CPLS or QQQ?
CPLS has an expense ratio of 0.30% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CPLS or QQQ?
Over the past year CPLS returned +2.21% vs +22.35% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CPLS annualized +3.56% vs +12.91% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CPLS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.3% for CPLS. Worst drawdown: CPLS -4.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CPLS and QQQ?
CPLS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CPLS and QQQ?
CPLS and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 503 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CPLS or QQQ?
CPLS yields 4.70% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so CPLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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