PWS vs QQQ
PWS vs QQQ
Pacer WealthShield ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. PWS offers more diversification with 329 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PWS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $24M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.29% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 235 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +0.88% | +18.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.57% | +28.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.84% | +25.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.78% | +15.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2017 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PWS vs QQQ Performance
Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PWS returned +5.57% while QQQ returned +28.94%. Year to date, PWS is up 0.88% versus a gain of 18.34% for QQQ.
Over three years, PWS compounded at +6.84% per year against +25.28% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +1.78% and +15.22% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.12% annualized vs +4.43%. 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 12.5% for PWS. 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 -24.9% for PWS 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PWS charges 0.60% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $18 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PWS currently yields 1.29% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PWS and QQQ share 52 holdings out of 380 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PWS | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 3.99% | 7.88% | 3.89% |
| AAPL | 3.83% | 7.46% | 3.63% |
| MSFT | 2.45% | 4.65% | 2.20% |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| INTC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LRCX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings PWS 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, PWS or QQQ?
PWS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PWS or QQQ?
Over the past year PWS returned +5.57% vs +28.94% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), PWS annualized +4.43% vs +13.12% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PWS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.5% for PWS. Worst drawdown: PWS -24.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PWS and QQQ?
PWS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PWS and QQQ?
PWS and QQQ share 52 common holdings with a 21.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 380 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PWS or QQQ?
PWS yields 1.29% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so PWS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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