QQQ vs XLG
QQQ vs XLG
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | XLG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.20% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $10.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.65% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 53 | |
| YTD Return | +16.83% | +6.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.58% | +17.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.70% | +21.95% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.88% | +14.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -53.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 4, 2005 |
QQQ vs XLG Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.58% while XLG returned +17.22%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.83% versus a gain of 6.96% for XLG.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.70% per year against +21.95% for XLG; over five years the annualized figures are +14.88% and +14.24% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs +9.82%. 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 15.0% for XLG. 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 -53.8% for XLG. 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 0.92. 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 XLG 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 0.65% for XLG.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and XLG share 24 holdings out of 131 unique holdings combined, representing a 55.7% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in XLG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.88% | 11.76% | 3.88% |
| AAPL | 7.46% | 10.30% | 2.84% |
| MSFT | 4.65% | 6.82% | 2.17% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings QQQ shares with XLG Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or XLG?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XLG 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 XLG?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.58% vs +17.22% for XLG, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), QQQ annualized +13.06% vs +9.82% for XLG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XLG?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.0% for XLG. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XLG -53.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XLG?
QQQ and XLG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 XLG?
QQQ and XLG share 24 common holdings with a 55.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 131 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XLG?
QQQ yields 0.41% while XLG yields 0.65%, so XLG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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