QQQ vs SPYG
QQQ vs SPYG
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
SPYG has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPYG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $50.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.48% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 149 | |
| YTD Return | +18.20% | +15.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.63% | +25.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.54% | +26.91% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | +14.15% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 17.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -69.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 25, 2000 |
QQQ vs SPYG Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% while SPYG returned +25.36%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.20% versus a gain of 15.54% for SPYG.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.54% per year against +26.91% for SPYG; over five years the annualized figures are +15.12% and +14.15% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +6.66%. 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 17.7% for SPYG. 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 -69.7% for SPYG. 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 0.95. 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 SPYG charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $4 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.48% for SPYG.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPYG share 7 holdings out of 113 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in SPYG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 7.46% | 6.49% | 0.97% |
| MSFT | 4.65% | 8.13% | 3.48% |
| AMZN | 4.26% | 3.58% | 0.68% |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABNB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 7 holdings QQQ shares with SPYG 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 SPYG?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPYG charges 0.04%. SPYG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPYG?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% vs +25.36% for SPYG, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), QQQ annualized +13.11% vs +6.66% for SPYG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPYG?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.7% for SPYG. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPYG -69.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPYG?
QQQ and SPYG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 SPYG?
QQQ and SPYG share 7 common holdings with a 19.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 113 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPYG?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SPYG yields 0.48%, so SPYG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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