QQQ vs VGMS
QQQ vs VGMS
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGMS offers more diversification with 534 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VGMS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.30% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $235M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 5.14% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 927 | |
| YTD Return | +12.48% | -1.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +2.46% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.30% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.24% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 2.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -2.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jun 9, 2025 |
QQQ vs VGMS Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Multi-Sector Income Bond ETF (VGMS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% while VGMS returned +2.46%. Year to date, QQQ is up 12.48% versus a loss of 1.54% for VGMS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 2.9% for VGMS. 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 -2.9% for VGMS. 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VGMS charges 0.30%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $30 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 5.14% for VGMS.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VGMS share 0 holdings out of 637 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 VGMS?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VGMS charges 0.30%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VGMS?
Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% vs +2.46% for VGMS, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +12.91% vs +3.65% for VGMS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VGMS?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 2.9% for VGMS. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VGMS -2.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VGMS?
QQQ and VGMS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VGMS?
QQQ and VGMS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 637 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VGMS?
QQQ yields 0.41% while VGMS yields 5.14%, so VGMS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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