QQQ vs SPAB
QQQ vs SPAB
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street SPDR Portfolio Aggregate Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
SPAB has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPAB offers more diversification with 1516 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPAB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $9.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 4.03% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 8,145 | |
| YTD Return | +14.45% | -0.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.70% | +1.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.19% | +3.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.49% | -0.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 4.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -19.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 23, 2007 |
QQQ vs SPAB Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR Portfolio Aggregate Bond ETF (SPAB) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +24.70% while SPAB returned +1.64%. Year to date, QQQ is up 14.45% versus a loss of 0.63% for SPAB.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.19% per year against +3.96% for SPAB; over five years the annualized figures are +14.49% and -0.50% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.98% annualized vs +0.68%. 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 4.4% for SPAB. 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 -19.5% for SPAB. 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPAB charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $3 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 4.03% for SPAB.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPAB share 0 holdings out of 1619 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 SPAB?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPAB charges 0.03%. SPAB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPAB?
Over the past year QQQ returned +24.70% vs +1.64% for SPAB, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), QQQ annualized +12.98% vs +0.68% for SPAB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPAB?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.4% for SPAB. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPAB -19.5%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPAB?
QQQ and SPAB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPAB?
QQQ and SPAB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1619 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPAB?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SPAB yields 4.03%, so SPAB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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