QQQ vs SMTH
QQQ vs SMTH
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SMTH offers more diversification with 147 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SMTH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $3.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 4.38% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 954 | |
| YTD Return | +18.20% | +0.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.63% | +2.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.54% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 4.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -4.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ALPS Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 5, 2023 |
QQQ vs SMTH Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond ETF (SMTH) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% while SMTH returned +2.42%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.20% versus a gain of 0.13% for SMTH.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 4.0% for SMTH. 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 -4.1% for SMTH. 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 0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SMTH charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $59 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 4.38% for SMTH.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SMTH share 0 holdings out of 250 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 SMTH?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SMTH charges 0.59%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SMTH?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% vs +2.42% for SMTH, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +13.11% vs +4.93% for SMTH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SMTH?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.0% for SMTH. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SMTH -4.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SMTH?
QQQ and SMTH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SMTH?
QQQ and SMTH share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 250 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SMTH?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SMTH yields 4.38%, so SMTH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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