QQQ vs VEA
QQQ vs VEA
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF
Quick Verdict
VEA has a lower expense ratio. VEA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEA offers more diversification with 3009 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VEA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $230.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 2.57% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 3,918 | |
| YTD Return | +18.34% | +15.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.94% | +30.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.28% | +19.48% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.22% | +10.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 17.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -62.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jul 20, 2007 |
QQQ vs VEA Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +28.94% while VEA returned +30.82%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.34% versus a gain of 15.07% for VEA.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.28% per year against +19.48% for VEA; over five years the annualized figures are +15.22% and +10.05% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.12% annualized vs +3.09%. 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 17.8% for VEA. 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 -62.9% for VEA. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VEA charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $3 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 2.57% for VEA.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VEA share 3 holdings out of 3109 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or VEA?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VEA charges 0.03%. VEA is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VEA?
Over the past year QQQ returned +28.94% vs +30.82% for VEA, so VEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), QQQ annualized +13.12% vs +3.09% for VEA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VEA?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.8% for VEA. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VEA -62.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VEA?
QQQ and VEA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VEA?
QQQ and VEA share 3 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3109 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VEA?
QQQ yields 0.41% while VEA yields 2.57%, so VEA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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