QQQ vs SYSB

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SYSB offers more diversification with 692 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: SYSB

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQSYSBWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%0.25%
AUM$455.8B$1.2B
Dividend Yield0.41%4.60%
Holdings108843
YTD Return+16.83%-2.84%
1Y Return+26.58%-1.69%
3Y Return (annualized)+24.70%+1.33%
5Y Return (annualized)+14.88%-2.89%
Volatility (annualized)30.6%4.6%
Max Drawdown-83.0%-22.4%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)iShares by BlackRock (US)
CategoryEquityFixed Income
InceptionMar 10, 1999Feb 24, 2015

QQQ vs SYSB Performance

Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares Systematic Bond ETF (SYSB) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.58% while SYSB returned -1.69%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.83% versus a loss of 2.84% for SYSB.

Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.70% per year against +1.33% for SYSB; over five years the annualized figures are +14.88% and -2.89% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs -1.16%. 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 4.6% for SYSB. 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 -22.4% for SYSB. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SYSB charges 0.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $25 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 4.60% for SYSB.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

QQQ and SYSB share 1 holdings out of 794 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in QQQWeight in SYSBDifference
KDP0.19%0.03%0.16%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QQQ or SYSB?

QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SYSB charges 0.25%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QQQ or SYSB?

Over the past year QQQ returned +26.58% vs -1.69% for SYSB, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QQQ annualized +13.06% vs -1.16% for SYSB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQQ or SYSB?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.6% for SYSB. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SYSB -22.4%.

Should I hold both QQQ and SYSB?

QQQ and SYSB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SYSB?

QQQ and SYSB share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 794 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SYSB?

QQQ yields 0.41% while SYSB yields 4.60%, so SYSB currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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