QQQ vs SJNK
QQQ vs SJNK
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SJNK offers more diversification with 1058 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SJNK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.40% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $4.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 7.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 1,172 | |
| YTD Return | +12.48% | +1.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +4.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.30% | +7.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.24% | +4.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 5.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -30.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 14, 2012 |
QQQ vs SJNK Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF (SJNK) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% while SJNK returned +4.73%. Year to date, QQQ is up 12.48% versus a gain of 1.60% for SJNK.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +22.30% per year against +7.70% for SJNK; over five years the annualized figures are +14.24% and +4.82% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.91% annualized vs +1.08%. 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 5.8% for SJNK. 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 -30.6% for SJNK. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SJNK charges 0.40%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $40 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 7.00% for SJNK.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SJNK share 0 holdings out of 1161 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 SJNK?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SJNK charges 0.40%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SJNK?
Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% vs +4.73% for SJNK, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), QQQ annualized +12.91% vs +1.08% for SJNK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SJNK?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 5.8% for SJNK. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SJNK -30.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SJNK?
QQQ and SJNK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SJNK?
QQQ and SJNK share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1161 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SJNK?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SJNK yields 7.00%, so SJNK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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