QQQ vs. VO

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) and VO (Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index, while VO is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mid Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, QQQ returned 21.79%/yr vs 11.77%/yr for VO. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QQQ charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VO.

Performance

QQQ vs. VO - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQQ achieves a 17.57% return, which is significantly higher than VO's 10.43% return. Over the past 10 years, QQQ has outperformed VO with an annualized return of 21.79%, while VO has yielded a comparatively lower 11.77% annualized return.

QQQ

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 0.93%
• YTD: 17.57%
• 6M: 17.85%
• 1Y: 35.82%
• 3Y*: 26.43%
• 5Y*: 16.85%
• 10Y*: 21.79%

VO

• 1D: 0.97%
• 1M: 3.61%
• YTD: 10.43%
• 6M: 9.31%
• 1Y: 18.17%
• 3Y*: 15.74%
• 5Y*: 7.79%
• 10Y*: 11.77%

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

QQQ vs. VO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	17.57%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	27.42%	48.62%	38.96%	-0.13%	32.66%
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	10.43%	11.62%	15.31%	16.03%	-18.73%	24.70%	18.10%	30.98%	-9.24%	19.28%

Correlation

The correlation between QQQ and VO is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.81

The correlation between QQQ and VO shifts across timeframes, from 0.63 (1 year) to 0.81 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

QQQ vs. VO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QQQ	VO
Technology	53.8%	18.6%
Communication Services	15.8%	3.1%
Consumer Cyclical	12.3%	8.6%
Consumer Defensive	7.7%	4.8%
Healthcare	4.2%	7.6%
Industrials	2.8%	17.9%
Utilities	1.4%	8.3%
Basic Materials	1.1%	4.2%
Energy	0.6%	8.5%
Financial Services	0.2%	12.8%
Real Estate	0.1%	5.4%

Return for Risk

QQQ vs. VO — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 71
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 73
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 70

VO

VO Risk / Return Rank: 49
VO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
VO Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
VO Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VO Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
VO Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

QQQ vs. VO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO). 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.

	QQQ	VO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.09	1.43	+0.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	2.05	+0.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.25	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.01	2.23	+0.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.22	8.44	+2.79

QQQ vs. VO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQ Sharpe Ratio is 2.09, which is higher than the VO Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQ and VO, 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

QQQ vs. VO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQQ drawdown since its inception was -82.97%, which is greater than VO's maximum drawdown of -58.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQQ and VO.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQ	VO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.97%	-58.87%	-24.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.96%	-8.17%	-3.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.77%	-19.02%	-3.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.12%	-27.57%	-7.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.12%	-39.37%	+4.25%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.33%	-0.45%	-2.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-32.75%	-7.85%	-24.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.20%	2.16%	+1.04%

Volatility

QQQ vs. VO - Volatility Comparison

Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) has a higher volatility of 7.56% compared to Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) at 4.31%. This indicates that QQQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQQ	VO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.56%	4.31%	+3.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.81%	9.71%	+4.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.19%	12.74%	+4.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.55%	17.65%	+4.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.38%	18.96%	+3.42%

QQQ vs. VO - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQQ has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is higher than VO's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

QQQ vs. VO - Dividend Comparison

QQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%, less than VO's 1.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.39%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	1.36%	1.52%	1.49%	1.52%	1.60%	1.12%	1.45%	1.48%	1.82%	1.35%	1.45%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQQ and VO in my portfolio?

QQQ and VO have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QQQ or VO?

QQQ has higher volatility (7.56%) compared to VO (4.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQ dropped -82.97% vs VO's -58.87%.

Which ETF is better, QQQ or VO?

On 10-year performance, QQQ leads with 21.79% vs 11.77% for VO. On fees, VO is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VO has been the lower-risk option at 4.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQQ or VO?

Over the 10-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 21.79% return vs 11.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQ or VO?

VO is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.18% for QQQ.

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

VO has the higher dividend yield at 1.36%, compared with 0.39% for QQQ.

What is the main difference between QQQ and VO?

QQQ is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while VO is Mid Cap Blend Equities. QQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index, while VO tracks CRSP US Mid Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for QQQ and 0.03% for VO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs 1.43), 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.