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QQQ vs VTI: Performance & Backtest Comparison
QQQ delivered the higher return - 12.13% CAGR vs 9.54% - over 2001-07-31 → 2026-07-31.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| QQQ | VTI | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 | Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF |
| CAGR | 12.13% | 9.54% |
| Total return | 1666.77% | 882.97% |
| Volatility | 20.52% | 15.35% |
| Max drawdown | -54.66%Sep 2002 | -50.84%Feb 2009 |
| Sharpe | 0.58 | 0.56 |
| Sortino | 0.85 | 0.77 |
| Best year | 54.85% | 33.45% |
| Worst year | -41.73% | -36.99% |
| Final balance | $176,677 | $98,297 |
Correlation of monthly returns: 0.89. Wondering if you need both? Check their fund overlap →
All figures are total returns: every dividend and distribution is reinvested on its ex-date, and prices are split-adjusted. See the methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Which has performed better, QQQ or VTI?
Over 2001-07-31 to 2026-07-31, QQQ performed better: 12.13% annualized versus 9.54% for VTI, with dividends reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How similar are QQQ and VTI?
Their monthly returns have a correlation of 0.89 over the common period. QQQ is Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1; VTI is Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VTI?
Over the common period QQQ had 20.52% annualized volatility and a -54.66% max drawdown, versus 15.35% and -50.84% for VTI.