QQQ vs TOTL

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. TOTL offers more diversification with 137 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: TOTL

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQTOTLWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%0.55%
AUM$455.8B$4.1B
Dividend Yield0.41%5.27%
Holdings1081,529
YTD Return+17.27%-1.07%
1Y Return+28.64%+1.56%
3Y Return (annualized)+24.88%+4.25%
5Y Return (annualized)+14.86%+0.23%
Volatility (annualized)30.6%4.5%
Max Drawdown-83.0%-18.0%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)State Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityFixed Income
InceptionMar 10, 1999Feb 23, 2015

QQQ vs TOTL Performance

Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF (TOTL) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +28.64% while TOTL returned +1.56%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.27% versus a loss of 1.07% for TOTL.

Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.88% per year against +4.25% for TOTL; over five years the annualized figures are +14.86% and +0.23% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs -0.05%. 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 4.5% for TOTL. 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 -18.0% for TOTL. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQQ charges 0.18% per year while TOTL charges 0.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $55 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 5.27% for TOTL.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

QQQ and TOTL share 0 holdings out of 240 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QQQ or TOTL?

QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while TOTL charges 0.55%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QQQ or TOTL?

Over the past year QQQ returned +28.64% vs +1.56% for TOTL, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QQQ annualized +13.08% vs -0.05% for TOTL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQQ or TOTL?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.5% for TOTL. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs TOTL -18.0%.

Should I hold both QQQ and TOTL?

QQQ and TOTL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and TOTL?

QQQ and TOTL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 240 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or TOTL?

QQQ yields 0.41% while TOTL yields 5.27%, so TOTL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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