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VUG vs. QQQ

Last updated Dec 2, 2023

Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and Invesco QQQ (QQQ).

VUG and QQQ are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. VUG is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the CRSP U.S. Large Cap Growth 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 VUG 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: VUG or QQQ.

Key characteristics


VUGQQQ
YTD Return41.25%47.08%
1Y Return29.01%33.66%
3Y Return (Ann)7.41%9.39%
5Y Return (Ann)16.20%19.00%
10Y Return (Ann)13.99%17.47%
Sharpe Ratio1.631.80
Daily Std Dev18.05%18.82%
Max Drawdown-50.68%-82.98%

Correlation

0.94
-1.001.00

The correlation between VUG and QQQ is 0.94, 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.

VUG vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

In the year-to-date period, VUG achieves a 41.25% return, which is significantly lower than QQQ's 47.08% return. Over the past 10 years, VUG has underperformed QQQ with an annualized return of 13.99%, while QQQ has yielded a comparatively higher 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.


0.00%5.00%10.00%JulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
10.75%
10.26%
VUG
QQQ

Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs


Vanguard Growth ETF

Invesco QQQ

VUG vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

VUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.56%, which matches QQQ's 0.56% yield.


TTM20222021202020192018201720162015201420132012
VUG
Vanguard Growth ETF
0.56%0.70%0.48%0.66%0.95%1.32%1.14%1.39%1.30%1.21%1.19%1.51%
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%

VUG vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUG has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than QQQ's 0.20% expense ratio.

0.20%
0.00%2.15%
0.04%
0.00%2.15%

VUG vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) 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
VUG
Vanguard Growth ETF
1.63
QQQ
Invesco QQQ
1.80

VUG vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VUG Sharpe Ratio is 1.63, which roughly equals the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.80. The chart below compares the 12-month rolling Sharpe Ratio of VUG and QQQ.


Rolling 12-month Sharpe Ratio0.000.501.001.502.00JulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
1.63
1.80
VUG
QQQ

VUG vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUG drawdown for the period was -18.68%, lower than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -13.83%. The drawdown chart below compares losses from any high point along the way for VUG and QQQ


-20.00%-15.00%-10.00%-5.00%JulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
-6.84%
-2.22%
VUG
QQQ

VUG vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) is 3.27%, while Invesco QQQ (QQQ) has a volatility of 3.69%. This indicates that VUG 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.


3.00%3.50%4.00%4.50%5.00%5.50%6.00%6.50%JulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
3.27%
3.69%
VUG
QQQ