QQQ vs TPLS

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. TPLS offers more diversification with 200 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: TPLS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQTPLSWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%0.45%
AUM$455.8B$15M
Dividend Yield0.41%5.09%
Holdings108301
YTD Return+18.20%-0.11%
1Y Return+27.63%+2.38%
3Y Return (annualized)+25.54%-
5Y Return (annualized)+15.12%-
Volatility (annualized)30.6%3.5%
Max Drawdown-83.0%-3.0%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Thornburg Investment Management
CategoryEquityFixed Income
InceptionMar 10, 1999Feb 5, 2025

QQQ vs TPLS Performance

Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF (TPLS) is a ETF from Thornburg Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% while TPLS returned +2.38%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.20% versus a loss of 0.11% for TPLS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 3.5% for TPLS. 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 -83.0% for QQQ and -3.0% for TPLS. 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQQ charges 0.18% per year while TPLS charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $45 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 5.09% for TPLS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

QQQ and TPLS share 0 holdings out of 303 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, QQQ or TPLS?

QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while TPLS charges 0.45%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QQQ or TPLS?

Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% vs +2.38% for TPLS, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.11% vs +3.87% for TPLS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQQ or TPLS?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 3.5% for TPLS. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs TPLS -3.0%.

Should I hold both QQQ and TPLS?

QQQ and TPLS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and TPLS?

QQQ and TPLS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 303 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or TPLS?

QQQ yields 0.41% while TPLS yields 5.09%, so TPLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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