QQQ vs XBB
QQQ vs XBB
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs BondBloxx BB Rated USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. XBB offers more diversification with 790 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | XBB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.20% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $531M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 5.57% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 1,081 | |
| YTD Return | +14.45% | +0.98% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.70% | +4.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.19% | +7.42% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.49% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 7.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -8.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | BondBloxx | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 24, 2022 |
QQQ vs XBB Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and BondBloxx BB Rated USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (XBB) is a ETF from BondBloxx. Over the past year QQQ returned +24.70% while XBB returned +4.13%. Year to date, QQQ is up 14.45% versus a gain of 0.98% for XBB.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.19% per year against +7.42% for XBB. Across the full 4-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.98% annualized vs +5.36%. 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 7.3% for XBB. 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 -8.9% for XBB. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while XBB charges 0.20%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $20 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 5.57% for XBB.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and XBB share 0 holdings out of 893 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 XBB?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XBB charges 0.20%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or XBB?
Over the past year QQQ returned +24.70% vs +4.13% for XBB, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), QQQ annualized +12.98% vs +5.36% for XBB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XBB?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 7.3% for XBB. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XBB -8.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XBB?
QQQ and XBB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and XBB?
QQQ and XBB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 893 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XBB?
QQQ yields 0.41% while XBB yields 5.57%, so XBB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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