QQQ vs USHY
QQQ vs USHY
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
USHY has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. USHY offers more diversification with 1577 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | USHY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $29.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 6.89% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 1,893 | |
| YTD Return | +16.83% | -1.76% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.58% | +0.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.70% | +7.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.88% | +3.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 9.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -31.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Oct 25, 2017 |
QQQ vs USHY Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (USHY) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.58% while USHY returned +0.76%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.83% versus a loss of 1.76% for USHY.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.70% per year against +7.03% for USHY; over five years the annualized figures are +14.88% and +3.25% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs +2.08%. 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 9.6% for USHY. 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 -31.0% for USHY. 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while USHY charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $8 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 6.89% for USHY.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and USHY share 0 holdings out of 1680 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 USHY?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while USHY charges 0.08%. USHY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or USHY?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.58% vs +0.76% for USHY, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), QQQ annualized +13.06% vs +2.08% for USHY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or USHY?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 9.6% for USHY. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs USHY -31.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and USHY?
QQQ and USHY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and USHY?
QQQ and USHY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1680 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or USHY?
QQQ yields 0.41% while USHY yields 6.89%, so USHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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