PGRO vs QQQ
PGRO vs QQQ
Putnam Focused Large Cap Growth 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 | PGRO | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $202M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +6.78% | +17.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.58% | +28.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.13% | +24.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.12% | +14.86% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PGRO vs QQQ Performance
Putnam Focused Large Cap Growth ETF (PGRO) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PGRO returned +13.58% while QQQ returned +28.64%. Year to date, PGRO is up 6.78% versus a gain of 17.27% for QQQ.
Over three years, PGRO compounded at +22.13% per year against +24.88% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.12% and +14.86% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, PGRO has the edge at +13.21% annualized vs +13.08%. 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 19.8% for PGRO. 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 -34.7% for PGRO 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PGRO charges 0.50% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $18 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PGRO currently yields 0.02% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PGRO and QQQ share 16 holdings out of 120 unique holdings combined, representing a 45.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PGRO | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 14.01% | 7.88% | 6.13% |
| AAPL | 10.15% | 7.46% | 2.69% |
| MSFT | 7.86% | 4.65% | 3.21% |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings PGRO 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, PGRO or QQQ?
PGRO has an expense ratio of 0.50% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PGRO or QQQ?
Over the past year PGRO returned +13.58% vs +28.64% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PGRO annualized +13.21% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PGRO or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.8% for PGRO. Worst drawdown: PGRO -34.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PGRO and QQQ?
PGRO and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 PGRO and QQQ?
PGRO and QQQ share 16 common holdings with a 45.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 120 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PGRO or QQQ?
PGRO yields 0.02% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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