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QQQ vs VUG: Performance & Backtest Comparison
QQQ delivered the higher return - 14.67% CAGR vs 11.86% - over 2004-02-29 → 2026-07-31.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| QQQ | VUG | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 | Vanguard Growth ETF |
| CAGR | 14.67% | 11.86% |
| Total return | 2077.23% | 1144.81% |
| Volatility | 18.29% | 16.60% |
| Max drawdown | -49.74%Feb 2009 | -47.18%Feb 2009 |
| Sharpe | 0.75 | 0.66 |
| Sortino | 1.16 | 0.95 |
| Best year | 54.85% | 46.83% |
| Worst year | -41.73% | -38.02% |
| Final balance | $217,723 | $124,481 |
Correlation of monthly returns: 0.96. 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 VUG?
Over 2004-02-29 to 2026-07-31, QQQ performed better: 14.67% annualized versus 11.86% for VUG, with dividends reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How similar are QQQ and VUG?
Their monthly returns have a correlation of 0.96 over the common period. QQQ is Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1; VUG is Vanguard Growth ETF.
Which is riskier, QQQ or VUG?
Over the common period QQQ had 18.29% annualized volatility and a -49.74% max drawdown, versus 16.60% and -47.18% for VUG.