QQQ vs SFTY

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SFTY offers more diversification with 167 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: SFTY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQSFTYWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%0.77%
AUM$455.8B$502M
Dividend Yield0.41%0.17%
Holdings108164
YTD Return+18.20%+13.26%
1Y Return+27.63%+22.51%
3Y Return (annualized)+25.54%-
5Y Return (annualized)+15.12%-
Volatility (annualized)30.6%11.3%
Max Drawdown-83.0%-8.6%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Horizon Funds
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 10, 1999Jun 25, 2025

QQQ vs SFTY Performance

Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Horizon Managed Risk ETF (SFTY) is a ETF from Horizon Funds. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% while SFTY returned +22.51%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.20% versus a gain of 13.26% for SFTY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 11.3% for SFTY. 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 -8.6% for SFTY. 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SFTY charges 0.77%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $77 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.17% for SFTY.

Holdings Overlap

45.3%overlap

QQQ and SFTY share 47 holdings out of 223 unique holdings combined, representing a 45.3% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in QQQWeight in SFTYDifference
AAPL7.46%7.02%0.44%
NVDA7.88%6.19%1.69%
MSFT4.65%4.24%0.41%
GOOGLProProPro
MUProProPro
AMZNProProPro
AVGOProProPro
AMDProProPro
METAProProPro
WMTProProPro
See all 10 holdings QQQ shares with SFTY
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QQQ or SFTY?

QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SFTY charges 0.77%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QQQ or SFTY?

Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% vs +22.51% for SFTY, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +13.11% vs +23.63% for SFTY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQQ or SFTY?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 11.3% for SFTY. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SFTY -8.6%.

Should I hold both QQQ and SFTY?

QQQ and SFTY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SFTY?

QQQ and SFTY share 47 common holdings with a 45.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 223 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SFTY?

QQQ yields 0.41% while SFTY yields 0.17%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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