QQQ vs USTB
QQQ vs USTB
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs VictoryShares Short-Term Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. USTB offers more diversification with 742 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | USTB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.34% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $2.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 4.58% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 922 | |
| YTD Return | +14.45% | +1.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.70% | +3.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.19% | +5.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.49% | +3.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 2.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -5.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Victory Capital Management Inc. | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Oct 24, 2017 |
QQQ vs USTB Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and VictoryShares Short-Term Bond ETF (USTB) is a ETF from Victory Capital Management Inc.. Over the past year QQQ returned +24.70% while USTB returned +3.82%. Year to date, QQQ is up 14.45% versus a gain of 1.70% for USTB.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.19% per year against +5.85% for USTB; over five years the annualized figures are +14.49% and +3.52% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.98% annualized vs +2.50%. 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 2.4% for USTB. 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 -5.5% for USTB. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while USTB charges 0.34%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $34 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 4.58% for USTB.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and USTB share 0 holdings out of 845 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 USTB?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while USTB charges 0.34%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or USTB?
Over the past year QQQ returned +24.70% vs +3.82% for USTB, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), QQQ annualized +12.98% vs +2.50% for USTB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or USTB?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 2.4% for USTB. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs USTB -5.5%.
Should I hold both QQQ and USTB?
QQQ and USTB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and USTB?
QQQ and USTB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 845 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or USTB?
QQQ yields 0.41% while USTB yields 4.58%, so USTB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.