QQQ vs SPLG
QQQ vs SPLG
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs SPDR(R) Portfolio S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
SPLG has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPLG offers more diversification with 506 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPLG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.02% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | - | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | - | |
| Holdings | 108 | 506 | |
| YTD Return | +12.48% | +17.06% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +18.41% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.30% | +22.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.24% | +17.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -55.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | - | |
| Category | Equity | - | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | - |
QQQ vs SPLG Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and SPDR(R) Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPLG) is a ETF. Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% while SPLG returned +18.41%. Year to date, QQQ is up 12.48% versus a gain of 17.06% for SPLG.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +22.30% per year against +22.40% for SPLG; over five years the annualized figures are +14.24% and +17.46% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.91% annualized vs +9.04%. 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 15.3% for SPLG. 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 -55.8% for SPLG. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPLG charges 0.02%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $2 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPLG share 81 holdings out of 528 unique holdings combined, representing a 47.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in SPLG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.88% | 7.33% | 0.55% |
| AAPL | 7.46% | 5.83% | 1.63% |
| MSFT | 4.65% | 7.03% | 2.38% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings QQQ shares with SPLG Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SPLG?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPLG charges 0.02%. SPLG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPLG?
Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% vs +18.41% for SPLG, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQQ annualized +12.91% vs +9.04% for SPLG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPLG?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPLG. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPLG -55.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPLG?
QQQ and SPLG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPLG?
QQQ and SPLG share 81 common holdings with a 47.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 528 unique securities.
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