QQQ vs SDHY

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SDHY offers more diversification with 456 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: SDHY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQSDHYWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%1.90%
AUM$455.8B$441M
Dividend Yield0.41%7.47%
Holdings108572
YTD Return+12.48%+1.94%
1Y Return+22.35%+4.65%
3Y Return (annualized)+22.30%+10.67%
5Y Return (annualized)+14.24%+4.71%
Volatility (annualized)30.6%10.1%
Max Drawdown-83.0%-23.1%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)PGIM Investments
CategoryEquityFixed Income
InceptionMar 10, 1999Nov 25, 2020

QQQ vs SDHY Performance

Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and PGIM Short Duration High Yield Opportunities Fund (SDHY) is a ETF from PGIM Investments. Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% while SDHY returned +4.65%. Year to date, QQQ is up 12.48% versus a gain of 1.94% for SDHY.

Over three years, QQQ compounded at +22.30% per year against +10.67% for SDHY; over five years the annualized figures are +14.24% and +4.71% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.91% annualized vs +4.05%. 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 10.1% for SDHY. 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 -23.1% for SDHY. 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SDHY charges 1.90%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $190 annually, a gap of $172 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 7.47% for SDHY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

QQQ and SDHY share 0 holdings out of 559 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 SDHY?

QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SDHY charges 1.90%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $172 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QQQ or SDHY?

Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% vs +4.65% for SDHY, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), QQQ annualized +12.91% vs +4.05% for SDHY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQQ or SDHY?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.1% for SDHY. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SDHY -23.1%.

Should I hold both QQQ and SDHY?

QQQ and SDHY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SDHY?

QQQ and SDHY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SDHY?

QQQ yields 0.41% while SDHY yields 7.47%, so SDHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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