MOAT vs QQQ
MOAT vs QQQ
VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MOAT | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $11.7B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.35% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 59 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +7.53% | +17.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.98% | +28.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.77% | +24.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.01% | +14.86% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 154573.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -96.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 24, 2012 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MOAT vs QQQ Performance
VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT) is a ETF from VanEck and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MOAT returned +14.98% while QQQ returned +28.64%. Year to date, MOAT is up 7.53% versus a gain of 17.27% for QQQ.
Over three years, MOAT compounded at +11.77% per year against +24.88% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.01% and +14.86% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, MOAT has the edge at +52.38% annualized vs +13.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MOAT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 154573.1% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -96.0% for MOAT 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 -0.03. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MOAT charges 0.46% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $18 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MOAT currently yields 1.35% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MOAT and QQQ share 16 holdings out of 142 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MOAT | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 2.56% | 7.88% | 5.32% |
| MSFT | 2.25% | 4.65% | 2.40% |
| AMZN | 1.31% | 4.26% | 2.95% |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PANW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MDLZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABNB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FTNT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings MOAT shares with QQQ Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MOAT or QQQ?
MOAT has an expense ratio of 0.46% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MOAT or QQQ?
Over the past year MOAT returned +14.98% vs +28.64% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), MOAT annualized +52.38% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MOAT or QQQ?
MOAT has been the more volatile fund at 154573.1% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: MOAT -96.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MOAT and QQQ?
MOAT and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MOAT and QQQ?
MOAT and QQQ share 16 common holdings with a 16.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 142 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MOAT or QQQ?
MOAT yields 1.35% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so MOAT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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