QQQ vs SCEC
QQQ vs SCEC
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCEC offers more diversification with 212 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SCEC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.39% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $598M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 4.84% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 339 | |
| YTD Return | +14.45% | -3.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.70% | -1.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.19% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.49% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 3.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -4.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Sterling Capital Active ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 14, 2025 |
QQQ vs SCEC Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF (SCEC) is a ETF from Sterling Capital Active ETF. Over the past year QQQ returned +24.70% while SCEC returned -1.53%. Year to date, QQQ is up 14.45% versus a loss of 3.31% for SCEC.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 3.5% for SCEC. 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 -4.6% for SCEC. 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SCEC charges 0.39%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $39 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 4.84% for SCEC.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SCEC share 0 holdings out of 315 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 SCEC?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SCEC charges 0.39%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SCEC?
Over the past year QQQ returned +24.70% vs -1.53% for SCEC, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +12.98% vs +0.76% for SCEC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SCEC?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 3.5% for SCEC. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SCEC -4.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SCEC?
QQQ and SCEC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SCEC?
QQQ and SCEC share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 315 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SCEC?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SCEC yields 4.84%, so SCEC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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