QLD vs QQQ
QLD vs QQQ
ProShares Ultra QQQ vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QLD delivered stronger 1-year returns. QLD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLD | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $12.5B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.12% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 127 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +31.66% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.50% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +42.12% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.17% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 38.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2006 | Mar 10, 1999 |
QLD vs QQQ Performance
ProShares Ultra QQQ (QLD) is a ETF from ProShares and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year QLD returned +48.50% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, QLD is up 31.66% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, QLD compounded at +42.12% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +19.17% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QLD has the edge at +24.51% annualized vs +13.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 38.1% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -84.0% for QLD 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 1.00. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLD 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, QLD currently yields 0.12% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
QLD and QQQ share 102 holdings out of 105 unique holdings combined, representing a 65.3% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QLD | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 4.89% | 7.88% | 2.99% |
| AAPL | 4.75% | 7.46% | 2.71% |
| MU | 3.17% | 4.67% | 1.50% |
| MSFT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings QLD shares with QQQ Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLD or QQQ?
QLD 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, QLD or QQQ?
Over the past year QLD returned +48.50% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QLD annualized +24.51% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLD or QQQ?
QLD has been the more volatile fund at 38.1% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QLD -84.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both QLD and QQQ?
QLD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 1.00, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QLD and QQQ?
QLD and QQQ share 102 common holdings with a 65.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 105 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLD or QQQ?
QLD yields 0.12% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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