QQQ vs VPU
QQQ vs VPU
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard Utilities ETF
Quick Verdict
VPU has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VPU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $8.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 70 | |
| YTD Return | +17.27% | +2.08% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.64% | +3.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.88% | +14.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.86% | +8.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 13.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -48.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 26, 2004 |
QQQ vs VPU Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +28.64% while VPU returned +3.78%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.27% versus a gain of 2.08% for VPU.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.88% per year against +14.12% for VPU; over five years the annualized figures are +14.86% and +8.32% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +6.88%. 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 13.9% for VPU. 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 -48.4% for VPU. 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VPU 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 2.86% for VPU.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VPU share 4 holdings out of 167 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or VPU?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VPU charges 0.09%. VPU is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VPU?
Over the past year QQQ returned +28.64% vs +3.78% for VPU, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), QQQ annualized +13.08% vs +6.88% for VPU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VPU?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.9% for VPU. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VPU -48.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VPU?
QQQ and VPU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VPU?
QQQ and VPU share 4 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 167 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VPU?
QQQ yields 0.41% while VPU yields 2.86%, so VPU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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