QQQ vs VONG
QQQ vs VONG
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VONG has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VONG offers more diversification with 386 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VONG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $44.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.54% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 390 | |
| YTD Return | +12.48% | +0.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +8.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.30% | +19.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.24% | +11.87% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 15.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -32.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 20, 2010 |
QQQ vs VONG Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% while VONG returned +8.02%. Year to date, QQQ is up 12.48% versus a gain of 0.64% for VONG.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +22.30% per year against +19.34% for VONG; over five years the annualized figures are +14.24% and +11.87% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VONG has the edge at +15.45% annualized vs +12.91%. 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 15.9% for VONG. 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 -32.7% for VONG. 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VONG charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $6 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.54% for VONG.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VONG share 59 holdings out of 430 unique holdings combined, representing a 51.7% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in VONG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.88% | 13.21% | 5.33% |
| AAPL | 7.46% | 11.11% | 3.65% |
| MSFT | 4.65% | 8.68% | 4.03% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings QQQ shares with VONG 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 VONG?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VONG charges 0.06%. VONG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VONG?
Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% vs +8.02% for VONG, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), QQQ annualized +12.91% vs +15.45% for VONG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VONG?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.9% for VONG. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VONG -32.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VONG?
QQQ and VONG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VONG?
QQQ and VONG share 59 common holdings with a 51.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 430 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VONG?
QQQ yields 0.41% while VONG yields 0.54%, so VONG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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