QQQ vs SDSI
QQQ vs SDSI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SDSI offers more diversification with 142 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SDSI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.32% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $245M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 4.78% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 400 | |
| YTD Return | +17.27% | +1.86% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.64% | +4.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.88% | +5.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.86% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 1.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -1.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | American Century Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Oct 11, 2022 |
QQQ vs SDSI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF (SDSI) is a ETF from American Century Investments. Over the past year QQQ returned +28.64% while SDSI returned +4.35%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.27% versus a gain of 1.86% for SDSI.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.88% per year against +5.77% for SDSI. Across the full 4-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +5.69%. 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 1.9% for SDSI. 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 -1.3% for SDSI. 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SDSI charges 0.32%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $32 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 4.78% for SDSI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SDSI share 0 holdings out of 245 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 SDSI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SDSI charges 0.32%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SDSI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +28.64% vs +4.35% for SDSI, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), QQQ annualized +13.08% vs +5.69% for SDSI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SDSI?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 1.9% for SDSI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SDSI -1.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SDSI?
QQQ and SDSI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SDSI?
QQQ and SDSI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 245 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SDSI?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SDSI yields 4.78%, so SDSI 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.