VCRB vs. QQLV

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VCRB (Vanguard Core Bond ETF) and QQLV (Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VCRB is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard, while QQLV is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Low Volatility Index. VCRB is actively managed, while QQLV is passively managed. Over the past year, VCRB returned 4.77% vs -0.14% for QQLV. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VCRB charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for QQLV.

Performance

VCRB vs. QQLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) and Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF (QQLV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VCRB achieves a 0.73% return, which is significantly lower than QQLV's 2.18% return.

VCRB

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.72%
• YTD: 0.73%
• 6M: 0.80%
• 1Y: 4.77%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QQLV

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: -1.30%
• YTD: 2.18%
• 6M: 1.84%
• 1Y: -0.14%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VCRB vs. QQLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VCRB Vanguard Core Bond ETF	0.73%	7.56%	-1.51%
QQLV Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF	2.18%	4.19%	-5.60%

Correlation

The correlation between VCRB and QQLV is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2024	0.28

Return for Risk

VCRB vs. QQLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCRB

VCRB Risk / Return Rank: 38
VCRB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
VCRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
VCRB Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VCRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
VCRB Martin Ratio Rank: 35

QQLV

QQLV Risk / Return Rank: 8
QQLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
QQLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
QQLV Omega Ratio Rank: 8
QQLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
QQLV Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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.

VCRB vs. QQLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) and Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF (QQLV). 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.

	VCRB	QQLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.33	-0.01	+1.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.98	0.05	+1.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.01	+0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.82	-0.02	+1.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.16	-0.04	+5.20

VCRB vs. QQLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCRB Sharpe Ratio is 1.33, which is higher than the QQLV Sharpe Ratio of -0.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCRB and QQLV, 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

VCRB vs. QQLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCRB drawdown since its inception was -4.59%, smaller than the maximum QQLV drawdown of -9.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCRB and QQLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCRB	QQLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.59%	-9.54%	+4.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.63%	-7.35%	+4.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.14%	-3.38%	+2.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.16%	-3.17%	+2.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.93%	3.76%	-2.83%

Volatility

VCRB vs. QQLV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) is 0.94%, while Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF (QQLV) has a volatility of 3.24%. This indicates that VCRB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQLV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VCRB	QQLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.94%	3.24%	-2.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.66%	7.52%	-4.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.61%	10.34%	-6.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.72%	12.69%	-7.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.72%	12.69%	-7.97%

VCRB vs. QQLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCRB has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than QQLV's 0.25% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VCRB vs. QQLV - Dividend Comparison

VCRB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.59%, more than QQLV's 2.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
QQLV Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF	2.10%	1.84%	0.00%	0.00%
VCRB Vanguard Core Bond ETF	4.59%	4.55%	4.22%	0.16%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCRB and QQLV in my portfolio?

VCRB and QQLV have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VCRB or QQLV?

QQLV has higher volatility (3.24%) compared to VCRB (0.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCRB dropped -4.59% vs QQLV's -9.54%.

Which ETF is better, VCRB or QQLV?

On 1-year performance, VCRB leads with 4.77% vs -0.14% for QQLV. On fees, VCRB is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, VCRB has been the lower-risk option at 0.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VCRB or QQLV?

Over the 1-year period, VCRB has performed better with a 4.77% return vs -0.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VCRB or QQLV?

VCRB is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for QQLV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VCRB or QQLV?

VCRB has the higher dividend yield at 4.59%, compared with 2.10% for QQLV.

What is the main difference between VCRB and QQLV?

VCRB is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while QQLV is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for VCRB and 0.25% for QQLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCRB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.33 vs -0.01), 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.