QQQ vs SDVY

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SDVY offers more diversification with 173 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: SDVY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQSDVYWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%0.58%
AUM$455.8B$11.5B
Dividend Yield0.41%0.92%
Holdings108167
YTD Return+17.27%+15.87%
1Y Return+28.64%+24.79%
3Y Return (annualized)+24.88%+15.50%
5Y Return (annualized)+14.86%+10.94%
Volatility (annualized)30.6%22.1%
Max Drawdown-83.0%-45.2%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)First Trust Portfolios (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 10, 1999Nov 2, 2017

QQQ vs SDVY Performance

Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and First Trust SMID Cap Rising Dividend Achievers ETF (SDVY) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +28.64% while SDVY returned +24.79%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.27% versus a gain of 15.87% for SDVY.

Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.88% per year against +15.50% for SDVY; over five years the annualized figures are +14.86% and +10.94% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +10.86%. 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 22.1% for SDVY. 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 -45.2% for SDVY. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SDVY charges 0.58%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $58 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.92% for SDVY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

QQQ and SDVY share 0 holdings out of 276 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 SDVY?

QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SDVY charges 0.58%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QQQ or SDVY?

Over the past year QQQ returned +28.64% vs +24.79% for SDVY, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), QQQ annualized +13.08% vs +10.86% for SDVY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQQ or SDVY?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 22.1% for SDVY. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SDVY -45.2%.

Should I hold both QQQ and SDVY?

QQQ and SDVY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SDVY?

QQQ and SDVY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 276 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SDVY?

QQQ yields 0.41% while SDVY yields 0.92%, so SDVY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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