QQQ vs SPBO
QQQ vs SPBO
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street SPDR Portfolio Corporate Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
SPBO has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPBO offers more diversification with 954 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPBO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $2.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 5.10% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 4,021 | |
| YTD Return | +18.20% | -0.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.63% | +2.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.54% | +5.05% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | +0.02% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 6.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -22.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Apr 6, 2011 |
QQQ vs SPBO Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR Portfolio Corporate Bond ETF (SPBO) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% while SPBO returned +2.12%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.20% versus a loss of 0.31% for SPBO.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.54% per year against +5.05% for SPBO; over five years the annualized figures are +15.12% and +0.02% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +1.11%. 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 6.1% for SPBO. 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 -22.4% for SPBO. 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPBO 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 5.10% for SPBO.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPBO share 0 holdings out of 1057 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 SPBO?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPBO charges 0.03%. SPBO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPBO?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% vs +2.12% for SPBO, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), QQQ annualized +13.11% vs +1.11% for SPBO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPBO?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.1% for SPBO. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPBO -22.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPBO?
QQQ and SPBO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPBO?
QQQ and SPBO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1057 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPBO?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SPBO yields 5.10%, so SPBO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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