PSTR 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

MetricPSTRQQQWinner
Expense Ratio1.07%0.18%
AUM$64M$455.8B
Dividend Yield4.90%0.41%
Holdings250108
YTD Return+13.10%+18.20%
1Y Return+21.66%+27.63%
3Y Return (annualized)-+25.54%
5Y Return (annualized)-+15.12%
Volatility (annualized)7.8%30.6%
Max Drawdown-13.7%-83.0%
Fund FamilyPeakShares LLCInvesco (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionApr 30, 2024Mar 10, 1999

PSTR vs QQQ Performance

PeakShares Sector Rotation ETF (PSTR) is a ETF from PeakShares LLC and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PSTR returned +21.66% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, PSTR is up 13.10% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 7.8% for PSTR. 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 -13.7% for PSTR 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PSTR charges 1.07% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $107 vs $18 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSTR currently yields 4.90% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

11.9%overlap

PSTR and QQQ share 22 holdings out of 166 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.9% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in PSTRWeight in QQQDifference
NVDA1.34%7.88%6.54%
AAPL0.74%7.46%6.72%
MU2.06%4.67%2.61%
MSFTProProPro
AMDProProPro
AMZNProProPro
METAProProPro
GOOGProProPro
TSLAProProPro
INTCProProPro
See all 10 holdings PSTR shares with QQQ
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PSTR or QQQ?

PSTR has an expense ratio of 1.07% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PSTR or QQQ?

Over the past year PSTR returned +21.66% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PSTR annualized +17.99% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PSTR or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 7.8% for PSTR. Worst drawdown: PSTR -13.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both PSTR and QQQ?

PSTR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PSTR and QQQ?

PSTR and QQQ share 22 common holdings with a 11.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 166 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PSTR or QQQ?

PSTR yields 4.90% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so PSTR currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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