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VGT vs. QQQ

Last updated Dec 2, 2023

Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) and Invesco QQQ (QQQ).

VGT and QQQ are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. VGT is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Information Technology 25/50 Index. It was launched on Jan 26, 2004. QQQ is a passively managed fund by Invesco that tracks the performance of the NASDAQ-100 Index. It was launched on Mar 10, 1999. Both VGT and QQQ are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.

Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: VGT or QQQ.

Key characteristics


VGTQQQ
YTD Return46.31%47.08%
1Y Return34.18%33.66%
3Y Return (Ann)12.07%9.39%
5Y Return (Ann)21.74%19.00%
10Y Return (Ann)19.75%17.47%
Sharpe Ratio1.731.80
Daily Std Dev20.01%18.82%
Max Drawdown-54.63%-82.98%

Correlation

0.95
-1.001.00

The correlation between VGT and QQQ is 0.95, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.

VGT vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VGT having a 46.31% return and QQQ slightly higher at 47.08%. Over the past 10 years, VGT has outperformed QQQ with an annualized return of 19.75%, while QQQ has yielded a comparatively lower 17.47% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.


-5.00%0.00%5.00%10.00%JulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
9.97%
10.26%
VGT
QQQ

Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs


Vanguard Information Technology ETF

Invesco QQQ

VGT vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

VGT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.69%, more than QQQ's 0.56% yield.


TTM20222021202020192018201720162015201420132012
VGT
Vanguard Information Technology ETF
0.69%0.91%0.64%0.82%1.11%1.29%0.99%1.31%1.28%1.12%1.05%1.21%
QQQ
Invesco QQQ
0.56%0.80%0.43%0.55%0.74%0.91%0.84%1.06%0.99%1.41%1.01%1.26%

VGT vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGT has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than QQQ's 0.20% expense ratio.

0.20%
0.00%2.15%
0.10%
0.00%2.15%

VGT vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) and Invesco QQQ (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.


Sharpe ratioSortino ratioOmega ratioCalmar ratioUlcer Index
VGT
Vanguard Information Technology ETF
1.73
QQQ
Invesco QQQ
1.80

VGT vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGT Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which roughly equals the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.80. The chart below compares the 12-month rolling Sharpe Ratio of VGT and QQQ.


Rolling 12-month Sharpe Ratio0.501.001.502.00JulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
1.73
1.80
VGT
QQQ

VGT vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGT drawdown for the period was -13.05%, roughly equal to the maximum QQQ drawdown of -13.83%. The drawdown chart below compares losses from any high point along the way for VGT and QQQ


-14.00%-12.00%-10.00%-8.00%-6.00%-4.00%-2.00%0.00%JulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember0
-2.22%
VGT
QQQ

VGT vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) has a higher volatility of 4.16% compared to Invesco QQQ (QQQ) at 3.69%. This indicates that VGT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.


4.00%4.50%5.00%5.50%6.00%JulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
4.16%
3.69%
VGT
QQQ