QQQ vs SPYM
QQQ vs SPYM
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
SPYM has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPYM offers more diversification with 504 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.02% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $160.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 1.03% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +18.34% | +13.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.94% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.28% | +21.26% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.22% | +13.53% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 14.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Nov 8, 2005 |
QQQ vs SPYM Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPYM) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +28.94% while SPYM returned +23.66%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.34% versus a gain of 13.53% for SPYM.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.28% per year against +21.26% for SPYM; over five years the annualized figures are +15.22% and +13.53% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.12% annualized vs +12.82%. 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 14.8% for SPYM. 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 -34.3% for SPYM. 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 SPYM 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. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 1.03% for SPYM.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPYM share 88 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 54.1% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in SPYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.88% | 7.30% | 0.58% |
| AAPL | 7.46% | 7.08% | 0.38% |
| MSFT | 4.65% | 4.43% | 0.22% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings QQQ shares with SPYM 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 SPYM?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPYM charges 0.02%. SPYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPYM?
Over the past year QQQ returned +28.94% vs +23.66% for SPYM, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), QQQ annualized +13.12% vs +12.82% for SPYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPYM?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.8% for SPYM. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPYM -34.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPYM?
QQQ and SPYM 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 SPYM?
QQQ and SPYM share 88 common holdings with a 54.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPYM?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SPYM yields 1.03%, so SPYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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