QQQ vs VPLS
QQQ vs VPLS
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VPLS offers more diversification with 160 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VPLS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.20% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $1.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 4.73% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 2,567 | |
| YTD Return | +18.20% | +0.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.63% | +2.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.54% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 4.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -3.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 6, 2023 |
QQQ vs VPLS Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% while VPLS returned +2.70%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.20% versus a gain of 0.10% for VPLS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 4.1% for VPLS. 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 -3.0% for VPLS. 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 0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VPLS charges 0.20%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $20 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 4.73% for VPLS.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VPLS share 0 holdings out of 263 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or VPLS?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VPLS charges 0.20%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VPLS?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% vs +2.70% for VPLS, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +13.11% vs +6.42% for VPLS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VPLS?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.1% for VPLS. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VPLS -3.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VPLS?
QQQ and VPLS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VPLS?
QQQ and VPLS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 263 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VPLS?
QQQ yields 0.41% while VPLS yields 4.73%, so VPLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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