HNDL vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHNDLQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.95%0.18%
AUM$631M$455.8B
Dividend Yield6.84%0.41%
Holdings26108
YTD Return+7.26%+17.27%
1Y Return+11.96%+28.64%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.57%+24.88%
5Y Return (annualized)+4.59%+14.86%
Volatility (annualized)10.9%30.6%
Max Drawdown-23.7%-83.0%
Fund FamilySTRATEGY SHARESInvesco (US)
CategoryAllocation/BalancedEquity
InceptionJan 17, 2018Mar 10, 1999

HNDL vs QQQ Performance

Strategy Shares Nasdaq 7 HANDL Index ETF (HNDL) is a ETF from STRATEGY SHARES and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year HNDL returned +11.96% while QQQ returned +28.64%. Year to date, HNDL is up 7.26% versus a gain of 17.27% for QQQ.

Over three years, HNDL compounded at +11.57% per year against +24.88% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +4.59% and +14.86% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +3.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 10.9% for HNDL. 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 -23.7% for HNDL and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HNDL charges 0.95% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $18 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HNDL currently yields 6.84% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

HNDL and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 123 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, HNDL or QQQ?

HNDL has an expense ratio of 0.95% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HNDL or QQQ?

Over the past year HNDL returned +11.96% vs +28.64% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), HNDL annualized +3.44% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HNDL or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.9% for HNDL. Worst drawdown: HNDL -23.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both HNDL and QQQ?

HNDL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between HNDL and QQQ?

HNDL and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 123 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HNDL or QQQ?

HNDL yields 6.84% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so HNDL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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