QQQ vs SPHD

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQSPHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%0.30%
AUM$455.8B$3.4B
Dividend Yield0.41%4.58%
Holdings10861
YTD Return+18.34%+12.77%
1Y Return+28.94%+15.40%
3Y Return (annualized)+25.28%+12.78%
5Y Return (annualized)+15.22%+8.32%
Volatility (annualized)30.6%14.3%
Max Drawdown-83.0%-42.1%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Invesco (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 10, 1999Oct 18, 2012

QQQ vs SPHD Performance

Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (SPHD) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +28.94% while SPHD returned +15.40%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.34% versus a gain of 12.77% for SPHD.

Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.28% per year against +12.78% for SPHD; over five years the annualized figures are +15.22% and +8.32% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.12% annualized vs +7.09%. 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 14.3% for SPHD. 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 -42.1% for SPHD. 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 SPHD charges 0.30%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $30 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 4.58% for SPHD.

Holdings Overlap

0.9%overlap

QQQ and SPHD share 4 holdings out of 148 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in QQQWeight in SPHDDifference
KHC0.13%2.98%2.85%
CMCSA0.38%1.53%1.15%
EXC0.21%1.61%1.40%
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QQQ or SPHD?

QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPHD charges 0.30%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QQQ or SPHD?

Over the past year QQQ returned +28.94% vs +15.40% for SPHD, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), QQQ annualized +13.12% vs +7.09% for SPHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQQ or SPHD?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.3% for SPHD. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPHD -42.1%.

Should I hold both QQQ and SPHD?

QQQ and SPHD 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 SPHD?

QQQ and SPHD share 4 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 148 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPHD?

QQQ yields 0.41% while SPHD yields 4.58%, so SPHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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