BXSL vs QQQ
Blackstone Secured Lending Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 107 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BXSL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 11.03% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | - | $486.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | - | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 107 | |
| YTD Return | +0.38% | +17.18% | |
| 1Y Return | -4.46% | +27.33% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.28% | +24.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | The Blackstone Group Inc | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BXSL vs QQQ Performance
Blackstone Secured Lending Fund (BXSL) is a ETF from The Blackstone Group Inc and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BXSL returned -4.46% while QQQ returned +27.33%. Year to date, BXSL is up 0.38% versus a gain of 17.18% for QQQ.
Over three years, BXSL compounded at +7.28% per year against +24.55% for QQQ. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.04% annualized vs +8.88%. 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 17.4% for BXSL. 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 -36.8% for BXSL 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BXSL charges 11.03% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $1103 vs $18 annually, a gap of $1085 per year that compounds over a long holding period.
Holdings Overlap
BXSL and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 103 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, BXSL or QQQ?
BXSL has an expense ratio of 11.03% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1085 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BXSL or QQQ?
Over the past year BXSL returned -4.46% vs +27.33% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BXSL annualized +8.88% vs +13.04% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BXSL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.4% for BXSL. Worst drawdown: BXSL -36.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BXSL and QQQ?
BXSL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BXSL and QQQ?
BXSL and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
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