BIS vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBISQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.95%0.18%
AUM$2M$455.8B
Dividend Yield5.79%0.41%
Holdings6108
YTD Return-32.69%+19.68%
1Y Return-55.28%+26.75%
3Y Return (annualized)-30.40%+26.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-16.47%+15.39%
Volatility (annualized)39.5%30.6%
Max Drawdown-99.9%-83.0%
Fund FamilyProSharesInvesco (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionApr 6, 2010Mar 10, 1999

BIS vs QQQ Performance

ProShares UltraShort Nasdaq Biotechnology (BIS) is a ETF from ProShares and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BIS returned -55.28% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, BIS is down 32.69% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.

Over three years, BIS compounded at -30.40% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -16.47% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs -32.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

BIS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 39.5% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -99.9% for BIS 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 -0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BIS charges 0.95% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $18 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BIS currently yields 5.79% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BIS or QQQ?

BIS has an expense ratio of 0.95% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BIS or QQQ?

Over the past year BIS returned -55.28% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BIS annualized -32.99% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BIS or QQQ?

BIS has been the more volatile fund at 39.5% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: BIS -99.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both BIS and QQQ?

BIS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, BIS or QQQ?

BIS yields 5.79% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so BIS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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