QQQM vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QQQM (Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QQQM is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, QQQM returned 18.07%/yr vs 15.11%/yr for VUG. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. QQQM charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

QQQM vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQQM achieves a 21.39% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 9.49% return.

QQQM

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 10.67%
• YTD: 21.39%
• 6M: 19.75%
• 1Y: 41.98%
• 3Y*: 28.89%
• 5Y*: 18.07%
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 6.22%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 27.84%
• 3Y*: 25.93%
• 5Y*: 15.11%
• 10Y*: 18.26%

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

QQQM vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
QQQM Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF	21.39%	20.85%	25.68%	55.01%	-32.52%	27.45%	6.67%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	5.57%

Correlation

The correlation between QQQM and VUG is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 14, 2020	0.98

The correlation between QQQM and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

QQQM vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QQQM	VUG
Technology	53.8%	53.5%
Communication Services	15.8%	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	12.3%	12.2%
Consumer Defensive	7.7%	1.5%
Healthcare	4.2%	4.6%
Industrials	2.8%	3.6%
Utilities	1.4%	0.9%
Basic Materials	1.1%	0.6%
Energy	0.6%	0.4%
Financial Services	0.2%	4.3%
Real Estate	0.1%	1.0%

Return for Risk

QQQM vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQM

QQQM Risk / Return Rank: 74
QQQM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
QQQM Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
QQQM Omega Ratio Rank: 75
QQQM Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
QQQM Martin Ratio Rank: 71

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 43
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

QQQM vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	QQQM	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.65	1.77	+0.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.46	2.40	+1.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.31	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.53	1.69	+1.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.52	5.92	+7.59
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QQQM vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQM Sharpe Ratio is 2.65, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQM and VUG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	QQQM	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.65	1.77	+0.89
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82	0.68	+0.13
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.85	0.62	+0.23

Drawdowns

QQQM vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQQM drawdown since its inception was -35.04%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQQM and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQM	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.04%	-50.68%	+15.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.96%	-16.53%	+4.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.70%	-22.85%	+0.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.04%	-35.61%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.20%	-1.51%	+1.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.25%	-7.09%	-1.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.11%	4.71%	-1.60%

Volatility

QQQM vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM) has a higher volatility of 4.48% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 3.83%. This indicates that QQQM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQQM	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.48%	3.83%	+0.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.05%	12.11%	-0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.91%	15.84%	+0.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.24%	22.22%	+0.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.12%	21.44%	+0.68%

QQQM vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQQM has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG'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

QQQM vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

QQQM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.41%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QQQM Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF	0.41%	0.50%	0.61%	0.65%	0.83%	0.40%	0.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.37%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQQM and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, QQQM and VUG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, QQQM or VUG?

QQQM has higher volatility (4.48%) compared to VUG (3.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQM dropped -35.04% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, QQQM or VUG?

On 5-year performance, QQQM leads with 18.07% vs 15.11% for VUG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 3.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQQM or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, QQQM has performed better with a 18.07% return vs 15.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQM or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for QQQM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QQQM or VUG?

QQQM has the higher dividend yield at 0.41%, compared with 0.37% for VUG.

What is the main difference between QQQM and VUG?

QQQM is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. QQQM tracks NASDAQ-100 Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for QQQM and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.65 vs 1.77), 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.