QQQ vs SPSM
QQQ vs SPSM
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
SPSM has a lower expense ratio. SPSM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPSM offers more diversification with 607 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPSM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $17.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 1.36% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 611 | |
| YTD Return | +14.45% | +22.41% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.70% | +35.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.19% | +14.31% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.49% | +7.64% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 19.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -44.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jul 8, 2013 |
QQQ vs SPSM Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +24.70% while SPSM returned +35.88%. Year to date, QQQ is up 14.45% versus a gain of 22.41% for SPSM.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.19% per year against +14.31% for SPSM; over five years the annualized figures are +14.49% and +7.64% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.98% annualized vs +9.10%. 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 19.5% for SPSM. 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 -44.4% for SPSM. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPSM 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 1.36% for SPSM.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPSM share 0 holdings out of 710 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 SPSM?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPSM charges 0.03%. SPSM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPSM?
Over the past year QQQ returned +24.70% vs +35.88% for SPSM, so SPSM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), QQQ annualized +12.98% vs +9.10% for SPSM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPSM?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.5% for SPSM. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPSM -44.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPSM?
QQQ and SPSM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPSM?
QQQ and SPSM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 710 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPSM?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SPSM yields 1.36%, so SPSM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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