BIL vs QQQ
State Street SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
BIL has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BIL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.14% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $47.2B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.85% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +1.83% | +17.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.46% | +26.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.31% | +25.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.42% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BIL vs QQQ Performance
State Street SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF (BIL) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BIL returned +3.46% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, BIL is up 1.83% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.
Over three years, BIL compounded at +4.31% per year against +25.51% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +3.42% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +0.87%. 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 0.6% for BIL. 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 -1.2% for BIL and -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.03. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BIL charges 0.14% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $14 vs $18 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BIL currently yields 3.85% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
BIL and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 104 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, BIL or QQQ?
BIL has an expense ratio of 0.14% while QQQ charges 0.18%. BIL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BIL or QQQ?
Over the past year BIL returned +3.46% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BIL annualized +0.87% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BIL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 0.6% for BIL. Worst drawdown: BIL -1.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BIL and QQQ?
BIL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BIL and QQQ?
BIL and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BIL or QQQ?
BIL yields 3.85% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so BIL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.