QQQ vs VOX
QQQ vs VOX
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard Communication Services ETF
Quick Verdict
VOX has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOX offers more diversification with 113 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VOX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $5.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 1.06% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 117 | |
| YTD Return | +18.20% | -2.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.63% | +8.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.54% | +20.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | +6.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 16.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -57.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 23, 2004 |
QQQ vs VOX Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% while VOX returned +8.92%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.20% versus a loss of 2.40% for VOX.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.54% per year against +20.49% for VOX; over five years the annualized figures are +15.12% and +6.43% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +8.72%. 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 16.7% for VOX. 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 -57.2% for VOX. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VOX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $9 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 1.06% for VOX.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VOX share 10 holdings out of 206 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in VOX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| META | 3.11% | 20.31% | 17.20% |
| GOOGL | 3.29% | 14.40% | 11.11% |
| GOOG | 3.06% | 7.79% | 4.73% |
| NFLX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TMUS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CMCSA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SPCX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WBD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TTWO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings QQQ shares with VOX 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 VOX?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VOX charges 0.09%. VOX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VOX?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% vs +8.92% for VOX, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), QQQ annualized +13.11% vs +8.72% for VOX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VOX?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.7% for VOX. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VOX -57.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VOX?
QQQ and VOX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VOX?
QQQ and VOX share 10 common holdings with a 14.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 206 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VOX?
QQQ yields 0.41% while VOX yields 1.06%, so VOX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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