HARD vs QQQ
Simplify Commodities Strategy No K-1 ETF 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HARD | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.78% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $82M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.15% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 96 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +8.83% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.50% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.20% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 27, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
HARD vs QQQ Performance
Simplify Commodities Strategy No K-1 ETF (HARD) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year HARD returned +13.50% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, HARD is up 8.83% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, HARD compounded at +10.20% per year against +25.79% for QQQ. Across the full 3-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +10.50%. 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 16.5% for HARD. 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 -21.0% for HARD 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 -0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HARD charges 0.78% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $78 vs $18 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HARD currently yields 3.15% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
HARD 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, HARD or QQQ?
HARD has an expense ratio of 0.78% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HARD or QQQ?
Over the past year HARD returned +13.50% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), HARD annualized +10.50% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HARD or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.5% for HARD. Worst drawdown: HARD -21.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both HARD and QQQ?
HARD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HARD and QQQ?
HARD and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HARD or QQQ?
HARD yields 3.15% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so HARD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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