QQQ vs VIG
QQQ vs VIG
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF
Quick Verdict
VIG has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VIG offers more diversification with 331 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VIG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $110.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 1.79% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 335 | |
| YTD Return | +18.20% | +12.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.63% | +20.98% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.54% | +16.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | +10.94% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 13.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -48.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Apr 21, 2006 |
QQQ vs VIG Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% while VIG returned +20.98%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.20% versus a gain of 12.07% for VIG.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.54% per year against +16.55% for VIG; over five years the annualized figures are +15.12% and +10.94% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +8.69%. 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 13.3% for VIG. 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 -48.2% for VIG. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VIG charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $4 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 1.79% for VIG.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VIG share 28 holdings out of 406 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in VIG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 7.46% | 4.22% | 3.24% |
| MSFT | 4.65% | 3.53% | 1.12% |
| AVGO | 2.91% | 4.55% | 1.64% |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LRCX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KLAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TXN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LIN:IE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings QQQ shares with VIG Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or VIG?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VIG charges 0.04%. VIG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VIG?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% vs +20.98% for VIG, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQQ annualized +13.11% vs +8.69% for VIG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VIG?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.3% for VIG. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VIG -48.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VIG?
QQQ and VIG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VIG?
QQQ and VIG share 28 common holdings with a 30.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 406 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VIG?
QQQ yields 0.41% while VIG yields 1.79%, so VIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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