QQQ vs VMAX
QQQ vs VMAX
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Hartford US Value ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VMAX offers more diversification with 140 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VMAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.29% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $49M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 1.87% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 142 | |
| YTD Return | +18.34% | +17.43% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.94% | +28.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.28% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.22% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 12.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -19.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Hartford Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 5, 2023 |
QQQ vs VMAX Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) is a ETF from Hartford Funds. Over the past year QQQ returned +28.94% while VMAX returned +28.57%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.34% versus a gain of 17.43% for VMAX.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 12.2% for VMAX. 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 -19.1% for VMAX. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VMAX charges 0.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $29 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 1.87% for VMAX.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VMAX share 18 holdings out of 225 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in VMAX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.88% | 0.84% | 7.04% |
| AAPL | 7.46% | 0.45% | 7.01% |
| MU | 4.67% | 0.64% | 4.03% |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| STX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LRCX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WDC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings QQQ shares with VMAX 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 VMAX?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VMAX charges 0.29%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VMAX?
Over the past year QQQ returned +28.94% vs +28.57% for VMAX, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +13.12% vs +21.81% for VMAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VMAX?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.2% for VMAX. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VMAX -19.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VMAX?
QQQ and VMAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VMAX?
QQQ and VMAX share 18 common holdings with a 11.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 225 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VMAX?
QQQ yields 0.41% while VMAX yields 1.87%, so VMAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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