FLRN vs QQQ
State Street SPDR Bloomberg Investment Grade Floating Rate ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
FLRN has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. FLRN offers more diversification with 312 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLRN | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3.1B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.57% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 520 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.15% | +17.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.05% | +26.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.17% | +25.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.16% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 30, 2011 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FLRN vs QQQ Performance
State Street SPDR Bloomberg Investment Grade Floating Rate ETF (FLRN) 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 FLRN returned +4.05% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, FLRN is up 2.15% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.
Over three years, FLRN compounded at +5.17% per year against +25.51% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +4.16% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +1.54%. 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 2.3% for FLRN. 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 -20.1% for FLRN 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLRN charges 0.15% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $18 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLRN currently yields 4.57% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FLRN and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 415 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, FLRN or QQQ?
FLRN has an expense ratio of 0.15% while QQQ charges 0.18%. FLRN is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLRN or QQQ?
Over the past year FLRN returned +4.05% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FLRN annualized +1.54% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLRN or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 2.3% for FLRN. Worst drawdown: FLRN -20.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FLRN and QQQ?
FLRN and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLRN and QQQ?
FLRN and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 415 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLRN or QQQ?
FLRN yields 4.57% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so FLRN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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