QQQ vs QUS
QQQ vs QUS
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF
Quick Verdict
QUS has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QUS offers more diversification with 526 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | QUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.15% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $1.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 1.30% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 539 | |
| YTD Return | +18.20% | +12.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.63% | +21.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.54% | +17.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | +11.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 13.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -33.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Apr 15, 2015 |
QQQ vs QUS Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% while QUS returned +21.22%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.20% versus a gain of 12.27% for QUS.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.54% per year against +17.54% for QUS; over five years the annualized figures are +15.12% and +11.20% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +11.77%. 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 13.9% for QUS. 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 -83.0% for QQQ and -33.8% for QUS. 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
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while QUS charges 0.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $15 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 1.30% for QUS.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and QUS share 93 holdings out of 536 unique holdings combined, representing a 38.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in QUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 7.46% | 3.06% | 4.40% |
| NVDA | 7.88% | 2.46% | 5.42% |
| MSFT | 4.65% | 2.89% | 1.76% |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings QQQ shares with QUS 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, QQQ or QUS?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while QUS charges 0.15%. QUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or QUS?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% vs +21.22% for QUS, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QQQ annualized +13.11% vs +11.77% for QUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or QUS?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.9% for QUS. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs QUS -33.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and QUS?
QQQ and QUS 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 QQQ and QUS?
QQQ and QUS share 93 common holdings with a 38.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 536 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or QUS?
QQQ yields 0.41% while QUS yields 1.30%, so QUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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