PYLD vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. PYLD offers more diversification with 666 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: PYLD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPYLDQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.64%0.18%
AUM$15.0B$455.8B
Dividend Yield6.26%0.41%
Holdings1,576108
YTD Return+0.71%+12.48%
1Y Return+5.34%+22.35%
3Y Return (annualized)+7.75%+22.30%
5Y Return (annualized)-+14.24%
Volatility (annualized)4.9%30.6%
Max Drawdown-4.5%-83.0%
Fund FamilyPIMCO (US)Invesco (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJun 21, 2023Mar 10, 1999

PYLD vs QQQ Performance

PIMCO Multisector Bond Active Exchange-Traded Fund (PYLD) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PYLD returned +5.34% while QQQ returned +22.35%. Year to date, PYLD is up 0.71% versus a gain of 12.48% for QQQ.

Over three years, PYLD compounded at +7.75% per year against +22.30% for QQQ. Across the full 3-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.91% annualized vs +7.62%. 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 4.9% for PYLD. 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 -4.5% for PYLD 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PYLD charges 0.64% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $18 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PYLD currently yields 6.26% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

PYLD and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 769 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, PYLD or QQQ?

PYLD has an expense ratio of 0.64% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PYLD or QQQ?

Over the past year PYLD returned +5.34% vs +22.35% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), PYLD annualized +7.62% vs +12.91% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PYLD or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.9% for PYLD. Worst drawdown: PYLD -4.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both PYLD and QQQ?

PYLD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PYLD and QQQ?

PYLD and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 769 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PYLD or QQQ?

PYLD yields 6.26% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so PYLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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