QQQ vs VTIAX
QQQ vs VTIAX
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral
Quick Verdict
VTIAX has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTIAX offers more diversification with 8498 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VTIAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $104.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 2.52% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 8,762 | |
| YTD Return | +14.45% | +10.81% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.70% | +23.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.19% | +13.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.49% | +5.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 15.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -32.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Nov 29, 2010 |
QQQ vs VTIAX Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral (VTIAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +24.70% while VTIAX returned +23.78%. Year to date, QQQ is up 14.45% versus a gain of 10.81% for VTIAX.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.19% per year against +13.72% for VTIAX; over five years the annualized figures are +14.49% and +5.28% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.98% annualized vs +5.28%. 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 15.8% for VTIAX. 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 -32.4% for VTIAX. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VTIAX 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 2.52% for VTIAX.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VTIAX share 4 holdings out of 8597 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in VTIAX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHOP:CA | 0.67% | 0.38% | 0.29% |
| PDD:IE | 0.25% | 0.19% | 0.06% |
| FER:AS | 0.20% | 0.08% | 0.12% |
| TRI:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 4 holdings QQQ shares with VTIAX 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 VTIAX?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VTIAX charges 0.09%. VTIAX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VTIAX?
Over the past year QQQ returned +24.70% vs +23.78% for VTIAX, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +12.98% vs +5.28% for VTIAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VTIAX?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.8% for VTIAX. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VTIAX -32.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VTIAX?
QQQ and VTIAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VTIAX?
QQQ and VTIAX share 4 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8597 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VTIAX?
QQQ yields 0.41% while VTIAX yields 2.52%, so VTIAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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