QQQ vs SHYL
QQQ vs SHYL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Xtrackers Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SHYL offers more diversification with 737 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SHYL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.20% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $271M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 6.91% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 838 | |
| YTD Return | +17.27% | +1.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.64% | +3.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.88% | +7.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.86% | +4.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 6.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -21.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Xtrackers ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 9, 2018 |
QQQ vs SHYL Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Xtrackers Short Duration High Yield Bond ETF (SHYL) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs. Over the past year QQQ returned +28.64% while SHYL returned +3.99%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.27% versus a gain of 1.24% for SHYL.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.88% per year against +7.78% for SHYL; over five years the annualized figures are +14.86% and +4.84% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +2.52%. 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 6.4% for SHYL. 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 -21.6% for SHYL. 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 SHYL charges 0.20%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $20 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 6.91% for SHYL.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SHYL share 0 holdings out of 840 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 SHYL?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SHYL charges 0.20%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SHYL?
Over the past year QQQ returned +28.64% vs +3.99% for SHYL, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), QQQ annualized +13.08% vs +2.52% for SHYL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SHYL?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.4% for SHYL. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SHYL -21.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SHYL?
QQQ and SHYL 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 SHYL?
QQQ and SHYL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 840 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SHYL?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SHYL yields 6.91%, so SHYL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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