VXF vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VXF (Vanguard Extended Market ETF) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VXF is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P Completion Index, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VXF returned 12.32%/yr vs 21.79%/yr for QQQ. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VXF charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

VXF vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VXF achieves a 14.37% return, which is significantly lower than QQQ's 17.57% return. Over the past 10 years, VXF has underperformed QQQ with an annualized return of 12.32%, while QQQ has yielded a comparatively higher 21.79% annualized return.

VXF

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 4.74%
• YTD: 14.37%
• 6M: 12.25%
• 1Y: 28.02%
• 3Y*: 18.67%
• 5Y*: 6.16%
• 10Y*: 12.32%

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%

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

VXF vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VXF Vanguard Extended Market ETF	14.37%	11.40%	16.89%	25.51%	-26.52%	12.31%	32.45%	27.96%	-9.34%	18.06%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	17.57%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	27.42%	48.62%	38.96%	-0.13%	32.66%

Correlation

The correlation between VXF and QQQ is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2002	0.80

The correlation between VXF and QQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

VXF vs. QQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VXF	QQQ
Technology	19.8%	53.8%
Industrials	19.3%	2.8%
Financial Services	14.6%	0.2%
Healthcare	13.3%	4.2%
Consumer Cyclical	9.7%	12.3%
Real Estate	6.0%	0.1%
Energy	5.1%	0.6%
Basic Materials	4.2%	1.1%
Communication Services	3.3%	15.8%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	7.7%
Utilities	2.0%	1.4%

Return for Risk

VXF vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

VXF

VXF Risk / Return Rank: 56
VXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
VXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VXF Omega Ratio Rank: 49
VXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VXF Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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

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.

VXF vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) and Invesco QQQ ETF (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.

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.

	VXF	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	2.09	-0.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.22	2.73	-0.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.37	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	3.01	-0.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.71	11.22	-1.52

VXF vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VXF Sharpe Ratio is 1.58, which is comparable to the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VXF and QQQ, 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

VXF vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VXF drawdown since its inception was -58.03%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VXF and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	VXF	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.03%	-82.97%	+24.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.21%	-11.96%	+1.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.92%	-22.77%	-4.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.39%	-35.12%	-1.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.72%	-35.12%	-6.60%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.61%	-3.33%	+2.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.54%	-32.75%	+23.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.90%	3.20%	-0.30%

Volatility

VXF vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) is 6.53%, while Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) has a volatility of 7.56%. This indicates that VXF 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.

Volatility by Period

	VXF	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.53%	7.56%	-1.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.27%	13.81%	-0.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.83%	17.19%	+0.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.41%	22.55%	-0.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.33%	22.38%	-0.05%

VXF vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

VXF has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than QQQ's 0.18% 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

VXF vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

VXF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, more than QQQ's 0.39% 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%
VXF Vanguard Extended Market ETF	1.02%	1.14%	1.09%	1.27%	1.15%	1.13%	1.07%	1.30%	1.66%	1.25%	1.43%	1.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VXF and QQQ in my portfolio?

VXF and QQQ have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VXF or QQQ?

QQQ has higher volatility (7.56%) compared to VXF (6.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VXF dropped -58.03% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which ETF is better, VXF or QQQ?

On 10-year performance, QQQ leads with 21.79% vs 12.32% for VXF. On fees, VXF is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VXF has been the lower-risk option at 6.53%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VXF or QQQ?

Over the 10-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 21.79% return vs 12.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VXF or QQQ?

VXF is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.18% for QQQ.

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

VXF has the higher dividend yield at 1.02%, compared with 0.39% for QQQ.

What is the main difference between VXF and QQQ?

VXF is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while QQQ is Nasdaq-100. VXF tracks S&P Completion Index, while QQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VXF and 0.18% for QQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs 1.58), 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.