QQQ vs VTI
QQQ vs VTI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.48% | +10.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +19.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.30% | +18.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.24% | +11.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 24, 2001 |
QQQ vs VTI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% while VTI returned +19.82%. Year to date, QQQ is up 12.48% versus a gain of 10.14% for VTI.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +22.30% per year against +18.94% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +14.24% and +11.79% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.91% annualized vs +7.99%. 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 15.4% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VTI share 90 holdings out of 2796 unique holdings combined, representing a 47.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.88% | 6.32% | 1.56% |
| AAPL | 7.46% | 5.84% | 1.62% |
| MSFT | 4.65% | 3.81% | 0.84% |
| 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 VTI 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 VTI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VTI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% vs +19.82% for VTI, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), QQQ annualized +12.91% vs +7.99% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VTI?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VTI?
QQQ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VTI?
QQQ and VTI share 90 common holdings with a 47.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2796 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VTI?
QQQ yields 0.41% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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