QQQ vs VCRB
QQQ vs VCRB
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard Core Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
VCRB has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VCRB offers more diversification with 1223 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VCRB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.10% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $7.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 4.57% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 3,173 | |
| YTD Return | +12.48% | -0.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +2.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.30% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.24% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 4.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -4.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 12, 2023 |
QQQ vs VCRB Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% while VCRB returned +2.93%. Year to date, QQQ is up 12.48% versus a loss of 0.38% for VCRB.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 4.3% for VCRB. 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 -4.1% for VCRB. 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 VCRB charges 0.10%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $10 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 4.57% for VCRB.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VCRB share 0 holdings out of 1326 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 VCRB?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VCRB charges 0.10%. VCRB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VCRB?
Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% vs +2.93% for VCRB, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +12.91% vs +3.97% for VCRB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VCRB?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.3% for VCRB. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VCRB -4.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VCRB?
QQQ and VCRB 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 VCRB?
QQQ and VCRB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1326 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VCRB?
QQQ yields 0.41% while VCRB yields 4.57%, so VCRB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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