QQQ vs VTSAX
QQQ vs VTSAX
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares
Quick Verdict
VTSAX has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTSAX offers more diversification with 2728 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | VTSAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $489.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 1.04% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.83% | +12.90% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.58% | +22.84% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.70% | +19.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.88% | +10.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 16.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -26.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Nov 13, 2000 |
QQQ vs VTSAX Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.58% while VTSAX returned +22.84%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.83% versus a gain of 12.90% for VTSAX.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.70% per year against +19.17% for VTSAX; over five years the annualized figures are +14.88% and +10.71% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs +10.71%. 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 16.4% for VTSAX. 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 -26.3% for VTSAX. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VTSAX charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $4 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 1.04% for VTSAX.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and VTSAX share 92 holdings out of 2739 unique holdings combined, representing a 47.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in VTSAX | 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 VTSAX 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 VTSAX?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VTSAX charges 0.04%. VTSAX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or VTSAX?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.58% vs +22.84% for VTSAX, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.06% vs +10.71% for VTSAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VTSAX?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.4% for VTSAX. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VTSAX -26.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and VTSAX?
QQQ and VTSAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VTSAX?
QQQ and VTSAX share 92 common holdings with a 47.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2739 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VTSAX?
QQQ yields 0.41% while VTSAX yields 1.04%, so VTSAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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