QQQ vs VOO
QQQ vs VOO
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.48% | +9.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +19.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.30% | +19.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.24% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 7, 2010 |
QQQ vs VOO Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% while VOO returned +19.58%. Year to date, QQQ is up 12.48% versus a gain of 9.95% for VOO.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +22.30% per year against +19.43% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +14.24% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.35% 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 14.2% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.91. 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 VOO 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 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VOO share 88 holdings out of 520 unique holdings combined, representing a 54.5% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.88% | 7.51% | 0.37% |
| AAPL | 7.46% | 6.59% | 0.87% |
| MSFT | 4.65% | 4.30% | 0.35% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings QQQ shares with VOO 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 VOO?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VOO?
Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% vs +19.58% for VOO, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), QQQ annualized +12.91% vs +13.35% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VOO?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VOO?
QQQ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 VOO?
QQQ and VOO share 88 common holdings with a 54.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 520 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VOO?
QQQ yields 0.41% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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