QQQ vs VTWAX

Quick Verdict

VTWAX has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTWAX offers more diversification with 9790 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTWAXHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: VTWAX

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQVTWAXWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%0.09%
AUM$455.8B$12.1B
Dividend Yield0.41%1.55%
Holdings10810,039
YTD Return+18.20%+12.57%
1Y Return+27.63%+22.27%
3Y Return (annualized)+25.54%+17.50%
5Y Return (annualized)+15.12%+8.78%
Volatility (annualized)30.6%15.2%
Max Drawdown-83.0%-28.0%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 10, 1999Feb 7, 2019

QQQ vs VTWAX Performance

Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund Admiral Class (VTWAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% while VTWAX returned +22.27%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.20% versus a gain of 12.57% for VTWAX.

Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.54% per year against +17.50% for VTWAX; over five years the annualized figures are +15.12% and +8.78% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +8.78%. 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 15.2% for VTWAX. 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 -28.0% for VTWAX. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQQ charges 0.18% per year while VTWAX 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 1.55% for VTWAX.

Holdings Overlap

28.1%overlap

QQQ and VTWAX share 97 holdings out of 9796 unique holdings combined, representing a 28.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in QQQWeight in VTWAXDifference
NVDA7.88%4.16%3.72%
AAPL7.46%3.51%3.95%
MSFT4.65%2.96%1.69%
AMZNProProPro
MUProProPro
GOOGProProPro
METAProProPro
AVGOProProPro
TSLAProProPro
AMDProProPro
See all 10 holdings QQQ shares with VTWAX
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QQQ or VTWAX?

QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VTWAX charges 0.09%. VTWAX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QQQ or VTWAX?

Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% vs +22.27% for VTWAX, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.11% vs +8.78% for VTWAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQQ or VTWAX?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.2% for VTWAX. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs VTWAX -28.0%.

Should I hold both QQQ and VTWAX?

QQQ and VTWAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and VTWAX?

QQQ and VTWAX share 97 common holdings with a 28.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9796 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or VTWAX?

QQQ yields 0.41% while VTWAX yields 1.55%, so VTWAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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