EVSM vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEVSMQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.19%0.18%
AUM$783M$455.8B
Dividend Yield2.99%0.41%
Holdings359108
YTD Return+1.38%+18.31%
1Y Return+2.64%+25.37%
3Y Return (annualized)-+25.79%
5Y Return (annualized)-+15.20%
Volatility (annualized)1.4%30.6%
Max Drawdown-1.5%-83.0%
Fund FamilyEaton VanceInvesco (US)
CategoryTax PreferredEquity
InceptionMar 25, 2024Mar 10, 1999

EVSM vs QQQ Performance

Eaton Vance Short Duration Municipal Income ETF (EVSM) is a ETF from Eaton Vance and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year EVSM returned +2.64% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, EVSM is up 1.38% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 1.4% for EVSM. 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 -1.5% for EVSM 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

EVSM charges 0.19% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $18 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EVSM currently yields 2.99% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

EVSM and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 201 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, EVSM or QQQ?

EVSM has an expense ratio of 0.19% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.

Which performed better, EVSM or QQQ?

Over the past year EVSM returned +2.64% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), EVSM annualized +3.43% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EVSM or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 1.4% for EVSM. Worst drawdown: EVSM -1.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both EVSM and QQQ?

EVSM and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between EVSM and QQQ?

EVSM and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 201 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, EVSM or QQQ?

EVSM yields 2.99% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so EVSM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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