QQQ vs SPXN
QQQ vs SPXN
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Financials ETF
Quick Verdict
SPXN has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPXN offers more diversification with 396 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPXN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $76M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.90% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 397 | |
| YTD Return | +12.48% | +10.86% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +21.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.30% | +19.52% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.24% | +13.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 15.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -32.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 22, 2015 |
QQQ vs SPXN Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Financials ETF (SPXN) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% while SPXN returned +21.32%. Year to date, QQQ is up 12.48% versus a gain of 10.86% for SPXN.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +22.30% per year against +19.52% for SPXN; over five years the annualized figures are +14.24% and +13.22% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPXN has the edge at +14.57% 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 15.7% for SPXN. 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 -32.1% for SPXN. 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 SPXN charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $9 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.90% for SPXN.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPXN share 87 holdings out of 412 unique holdings combined, representing a 60.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in SPXN | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.88% | 8.49% | 0.61% |
| AAPL | 7.46% | 8.23% | 0.77% |
| MSFT | 4.65% | 5.16% | 0.51% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings QQQ shares with SPXN 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 SPXN?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPXN charges 0.09%. SPXN is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPXN?
Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% vs +21.32% for SPXN, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QQQ annualized +12.91% vs +14.57% for SPXN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPXN?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.7% for SPXN. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPXN -32.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPXN?
QQQ and SPXN 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 SPXN?
QQQ and SPXN share 87 common holdings with a 60.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 412 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPXN?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SPXN yields 0.90%, so SPXN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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