QQQ vs SPUU

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. SPUU delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPUU offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: SPUUMore Diversified: SPUU

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQSPUUWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%0.60%
AUM$455.8B$248M
Dividend Yield0.41%1.34%
Holdings108510
YTD Return+12.48%+16.16%
1Y Return+22.35%+33.51%
3Y Return (annualized)+22.30%+31.33%
5Y Return (annualized)+14.24%+17.83%
Volatility (annualized)30.6%30.5%
Max Drawdown-83.0%-59.4%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Direxion Shares ETF Trust
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionMar 10, 1999May 28, 2014

QQQ vs SPUU Performance

Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% while SPUU returned +33.51%. Year to date, QQQ is up 12.48% versus a gain of 16.16% for SPUU.

Over three years, QQQ compounded at +22.30% per year against +31.33% for SPUU; over five years the annualized figures are +14.24% and +17.83% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPUU has the edge at +18.27% annualized vs +12.91%. 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 30.5% for SPUU. 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 -59.4% for SPUU. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPUU charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $60 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 1.34% for SPUU.

Holdings Overlap

50.7%overlap

QQQ and SPUU share 86 holdings out of 522 unique holdings combined, representing a 50.7% weight overlap.

High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in QQQWeight in SPUUDifference
NVDA7.88%7.54%0.34%
AAPL7.46%6.19%1.27%
MSFT4.65%4.58%0.07%
AMZNProProPro
GOOGLProProPro
AVGOProProPro
GOOGProProPro
MUProProPro
METAProProPro
TSLAProProPro
See all 10 holdings QQQ shares with SPUU
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QQQ or SPUU?

QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPUU charges 0.60%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QQQ or SPUU?

Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% vs +33.51% for SPUU, so SPUU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QQQ annualized +12.91% vs +18.27% for SPUU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQQ or SPUU?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 30.5% for SPUU. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPUU -59.4%.

Should I hold both QQQ and SPUU?

QQQ and SPUU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPUU?

QQQ and SPUU share 86 common holdings with a 50.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 522 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPUU?

QQQ yields 0.41% while SPUU yields 1.34%, so SPUU currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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