PNQI vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PNQI (Invesco NASDAQ Internet ETF) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PNQI is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ Internet Index, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PNQI returned 11.59%/yr vs 22.07%/yr for QQQ. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PNQI charges 0.62%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

PNQI vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco NASDAQ Internet ETF (PNQI) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PNQI achieves a -17.01% return, which is significantly lower than QQQ's 16.45% return. Over the past 10 years, PNQI has underperformed QQQ with an annualized return of 11.59%, while QQQ has yielded a comparatively higher 22.07% annualized return.

PNQI

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: -7.06%
• YTD: -17.01%
• 6M: -17.53%
• 1Y: -10.24%
• 3Y*: 13.16%
• 5Y*: -2.58%
• 10Y*: 11.59%

QQQ

• 1D: -3.29%
• 1M: -0.43%
• YTD: 16.45%
• 6M: 14.99%
• 1Y: 34.88%
• 3Y*: 26.05%
• 5Y*: 16.01%
• 10Y*: 22.07%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

PNQI vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PNQI Invesco NASDAQ Internet ETF	-17.01%	15.56%	29.44%	60.69%	-47.92%	-5.57%	61.36%	28.76%	-5.08%	40.05%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	16.45%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	27.42%	48.62%	38.96%	-0.13%	32.66%

Correlation

The correlation between PNQI and QQQ is 0.71, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 13, 2008	0.82

The correlation between PNQI and QQQ shifts across timeframes, from 0.71 (1 year) to 0.87 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PNQI vs. QQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PNQI	QQQ
Technology	39.8%	58.7%
Communication Services	30.4%	14.3%
Consumer Cyclical	27.0%	11.4%
Financial Services	2.4%	0.2%
Real Estate	0.4%	0.1%
Industrials	0.1%	2.6%
Healthcare	0.0%	3.7%
Basic Materials	-	1.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	6.4%
Energy	-	0.5%
Utilities	-	1.2%

Return for Risk

PNQI vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

PNQI

PNQI Risk / Return Rank: 5
PNQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
PNQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
PNQI Omega Ratio Rank: 4
PNQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
PNQI Martin Ratio Rank: 5

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 59
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 58
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 62

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

PNQI vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco NASDAQ Internet ETF (PNQI) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	PNQI	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.55	1.95	-2.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.64	2.57	-3.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.92	1.35	-0.42
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.41	2.93	-3.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.90	10.86	-11.77

PNQI vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PNQI Sharpe Ratio is -0.55, which is lower than the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PNQI and QQQ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

PNQI vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PNQI drawdown since its inception was -59.70%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PNQI and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	PNQI	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.70%	-82.97%	+23.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.85%	-11.96%	-12.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.85%	-22.77%	-2.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-59.56%	-35.12%	-24.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-59.70%	-35.12%	-24.58%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-21.57%	-4.25%	-17.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.98%	-32.73%	+19.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.38%	3.22%	+8.16%

Volatility

PNQI vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco NASDAQ Internet ETF (PNQI) is 7.02%, while Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) has a volatility of 9.17%. This indicates that PNQI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PNQI	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.02%	9.17%	-2.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.90%	14.57%	+0.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.80%	17.96%	+0.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.90%	22.69%	+4.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.32%	22.42%	+2.90%

PNQI vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

PNQI has a 0.62% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

PNQI vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

PNQI has not paid dividends to shareholders, while QQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.43%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PNQI Invesco NASDAQ Internet ETF	0.00%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.43%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PNQI and QQQ in my portfolio?

PNQI and QQQ have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PNQI or QQQ?

QQQ has higher volatility (9.17%) compared to PNQI (7.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PNQI dropped -59.70% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which ETF is better, PNQI or QQQ?

On 10-year performance, QQQ leads with 22.07% vs 11.59% for PNQI. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, PNQI has been the lower-risk option at 7.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PNQI or QQQ?

Over the 10-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 22.07% return vs 11.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PNQI or QQQ?

QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.62% for PNQI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PNQI or QQQ?

QQQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.43%, compared with 0.00% for PNQI.

What is the main difference between PNQI and QQQ?

PNQI is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while QQQ is Nasdaq-100. PNQI tracks NASDAQ Internet Index, while QQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.62% for PNQI and 0.18% for QQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs -0.55), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.