QQQ vs SSPY
QQQ vs SSPY
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Stratified LargeCap Index ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SSPY offers more diversification with 499 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SSPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $130M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 1.24% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 507 | |
| YTD Return | +12.48% | +12.55% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +20.33% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.30% | +13.01% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.24% | +9.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 17.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -36.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Syntax Stratified | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 2, 2019 |
QQQ vs SSPY Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Stratified LargeCap Index ETF (SSPY) is a ETF from Syntax Stratified. Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% while SSPY returned +20.33%. Year to date, QQQ is up 12.48% versus a gain of 12.55% for SSPY.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +22.30% per year against +13.01% for SSPY; over five years the annualized figures are +14.24% and +9.29% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SSPY has the edge at +13.73% 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 17.1% for SSPY. 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 -36.7% for SSPY. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SSPY charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $45 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 1.24% for SSPY.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SSPY share 83 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in SSPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.88% | 0.17% | 7.71% |
| AAPL | 7.46% | 0.59% | 6.87% |
| MSFT | 4.65% | 1.05% | 3.60% |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings QQQ shares with SSPY 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 SSPY?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SSPY charges 0.45%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SSPY?
Over the past year QQQ returned +22.35% vs +20.33% for SSPY, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), QQQ annualized +12.91% vs +13.73% for SSPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SSPY?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.1% for SSPY. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SSPY -36.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SSPY?
QQQ and SSPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SSPY?
QQQ and SSPY share 83 common holdings with a 19.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SSPY?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SSPY yields 1.24%, so SSPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.