QQQ vs SBND
QQQ vs SBND
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Columbia Short Duration Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SBND offers more diversification with 836 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SBND | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $205M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 4.53% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 1,184 | |
| YTD Return | +14.45% | +0.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.70% | +3.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.19% | +5.57% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.49% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 4.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -10.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 21, 2021 |
QQQ vs SBND Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Columbia Short Duration Bond ETF (SBND) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments. Over the past year QQQ returned +24.70% while SBND returned +3.14%. Year to date, QQQ is up 14.45% versus a gain of 0.69% for SBND.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.19% per year against +5.57% for SBND. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.98% annualized vs +2.27%. 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 4.0% for SBND. 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 -10.8% for SBND. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SBND charges 0.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $25 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 4.53% for SBND.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SBND share 0 holdings out of 939 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, QQQ or SBND?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SBND charges 0.25%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SBND?
Over the past year QQQ returned +24.70% vs +3.14% for SBND, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +12.98% vs +2.27% for SBND. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SBND?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.0% for SBND. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SBND -10.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SBND?
QQQ and SBND have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SBND?
QQQ and SBND share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 939 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SBND?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SBND yields 4.53%, so SBND currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.