QQQ vs SCHF
QQQ vs SCHF
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Schwab International Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHF has a lower expense ratio. SCHF delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHF offers more diversification with 1226 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SCHF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $66.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 3.06% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 1,498 | |
| YTD Return | +16.83% | +15.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.58% | +30.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.70% | +19.57% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.88% | +10.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 15.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -38.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Nov 3, 2009 |
QQQ vs SCHF Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.58% while SCHF returned +30.24%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.83% versus a gain of 15.39% for SCHF.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.70% per year against +19.57% for SCHF; over five years the annualized figures are +14.88% and +10.24% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs +6.03%. 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 15.7% for SCHF. 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 -38.6% for SCHF. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SCHF charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $3 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 3.06% for SCHF.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SCHF share 6 holdings out of 1323 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in SCHF | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASML:AS | 0.70% | 1.91% | 1.21% |
| SHOP:CA | 0.67% | 0.55% | 0.12% |
| ROP | 0.16% | 1.05% | 0.89% |
| FER:AS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CCEP:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TRI:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 6 holdings QQQ shares with SCHF 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 SCHF?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SCHF charges 0.03%. SCHF is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SCHF?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.58% vs +30.24% for SCHF, so SCHF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), QQQ annualized +13.06% vs +6.03% for SCHF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SCHF?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.7% for SCHF. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SCHF -38.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SCHF?
QQQ and SCHF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SCHF?
QQQ and SCHF share 6 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1323 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SCHF?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SCHF yields 3.06%, so SCHF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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