QQQ vs TSPA

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. TSPA offers more diversification with 307 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: TSPA

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQTSPAWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%0.34%
AUM$455.8B$4.2B
Dividend Yield0.41%0.56%
Holdings108310
YTD Return+16.83%+12.98%
1Y Return+26.58%+22.41%
3Y Return (annualized)+24.70%+21.17%
5Y Return (annualized)+14.88%+13.67%
Volatility (annualized)30.6%15.8%
Max Drawdown-83.0%-24.7%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)T.Rowe Price
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 10, 1999Jun 8, 2021

QQQ vs TSPA Performance

Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and T Rowe Price US Equity Research ETF (TSPA) is a ETF from T.Rowe Price. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.58% while TSPA returned +22.41%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.83% versus a gain of 12.98% for TSPA.

Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.70% per year against +21.17% for TSPA; over five years the annualized figures are +14.88% and +13.67% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, TSPA has the edge at +14.31% annualized vs +13.06%. 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 15.8% for TSPA. 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 -24.7% for TSPA. 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 0.93. 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 TSPA charges 0.34%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $34 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.56% for TSPA.

Holdings Overlap

40.9%overlap

QQQ and TSPA share 60 holdings out of 350 unique holdings combined, representing a 40.9% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in QQQWeight in TSPADifference
AAPL7.46%6.96%0.50%
MSFT4.65%4.96%0.31%
AMZN4.26%3.77%0.49%
GOOGProProPro
AVGOProProPro
GOOGLProProPro
MUProProPro
TSLAProProPro
AMDProProPro
WMTProProPro
See all 10 holdings QQQ shares with TSPA
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QQQ or TSPA?

QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while TSPA charges 0.34%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QQQ or TSPA?

Over the past year QQQ returned +26.58% vs +22.41% for TSPA, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.06% vs +14.31% for TSPA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQQ or TSPA?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.8% for TSPA. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs TSPA -24.7%.

Should I hold both QQQ and TSPA?

QQQ and TSPA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 TSPA?

QQQ and TSPA share 60 common holdings with a 40.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 350 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or TSPA?

QQQ yields 0.41% while TSPA yields 0.56%, so TSPA currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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