QQQ vs ZSC

QQQ vs ZSC

Which is better, QQQ or ZSC?

Large Cap Growth against Large Cap Blend.

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over the full window, ZSC over 1Y.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: split

MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQZSC
Expense Ratio0.18%Best0.59%
AUM$506.1B$3M
Dividend Yield0.42%1.55%
Holdings3213
Volatility (annualized)17.3%13.9%Best
Max Drawdown-22.8%Best-26.5%
$10,000 over 3.1 years$20,517Best$10,585
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)USCF Investments
CategoryEquityEquity
StyleLarge Cap GrowthLarge Cap Blend
InceptionMar 10, 1999Aug 9, 2023

Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.

The two price series end 12 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. QQQ has data through Oct 14, 2026 and ZSC through Oct 2, 2026.

Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 9, 2023 to Oct 2, 2026 (3.1 years).

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% compared with 13.9% for ZSC. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -22.8% for QQQ and -26.5% for ZSC. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.17. They move largely independently of each other.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQQ charges 0.18% per year while ZSC charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $59 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.42% against 1.55% for ZSC.

You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.

Whichever of QQQ and ZSC you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.

QQQZSC

Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QQQ or ZSC?

QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while ZSC charges 0.59%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $41 a year on a $10,000 investment.

Which is riskier, QQQ or ZSC?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 13.9% for ZSC. Worst drawdown: QQQ -22.8% vs ZSC -26.5%.

Should I hold both QQQ and ZSC?

QQQ and ZSC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.17, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or ZSC?

QQQ yields 0.42% while ZSC yields 1.55%, so ZSC currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Is ZSC better than QQQ?

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over the full window, ZSC over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.