QQQ vs SHYG
QQQ vs SHYG
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SHYG offers more diversification with 1032 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SHYG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.30% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $7.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 7.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 1,165 | |
| YTD Return | +12.48% | +1.73% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +4.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.30% | +7.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.24% | +4.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 5.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -26.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Oct 15, 2013 |
QQQ vs SHYG Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (SHYG) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% while SHYG returned +4.95%. Year to date, QQQ is up 12.48% versus a gain of 1.73% for SHYG.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +22.30% per year against +7.72% for SHYG; over five years the annualized figures are +14.24% and +4.84% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.91% annualized vs +1.37%. 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 5.6% for SHYG. 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 -26.3% for SHYG. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SHYG charges 0.30%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $30 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 7.00% for SHYG.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SHYG share 0 holdings out of 1135 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 SHYG?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SHYG charges 0.30%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SHYG?
Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% vs +4.95% for SHYG, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), QQQ annualized +12.91% vs +1.37% for SHYG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SHYG?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 5.6% for SHYG. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SHYG -26.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SHYG?
QQQ and SHYG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SHYG?
QQQ and SHYG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1135 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SHYG?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SHYG yields 7.00%, so SHYG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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