QQQ vs SCIO
QQQ vs SCIO
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs First Trust Structured Credit Income Opportunities ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SCIO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.70% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $498M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 6.03% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 252 | |
| YTD Return | +18.34% | +2.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.94% | +4.33% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.28% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.22% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 2.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -1.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Feb 27, 2024 |
QQQ vs SCIO Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and First Trust Structured Credit Income Opportunities ETF (SCIO) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +28.94% while SCIO returned +4.33%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.34% versus a gain of 2.22% for SCIO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 2.5% for SCIO. 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 -1.7% for SCIO. 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SCIO charges 0.70%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $70 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 6.03% for SCIO.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SCIO share 0 holdings out of 141 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 SCIO?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SCIO charges 0.70%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SCIO?
Over the past year QQQ returned +28.94% vs +4.33% for SCIO, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.12% vs +7.48% for SCIO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SCIO?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 2.5% for SCIO. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SCIO -1.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SCIO?
QQQ and SCIO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SCIO?
QQQ and SCIO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 141 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SCIO?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SCIO yields 6.03%, so SCIO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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