KOOL vs QQQ
North Shore Equity Rotation 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 | KOOL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.94% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $57M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.43% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +15.92% | +17.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.64% | +26.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | North Shore Indices | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 1, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
KOOL vs QQQ Performance
North Shore Equity Rotation ETF (KOOL) is a ETF from North Shore Indices and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year KOOL returned +22.64% while QQQ returned +26.45%. Year to date, KOOL is up 15.92% versus a gain of 17.85% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 12.4% for KOOL. 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 -20.6% for KOOL 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KOOL charges 0.94% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $94 vs $18 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KOOL currently yields 0.43% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
KOOL and QQQ share 7 holdings out of 134 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KOOL or QQQ?
KOOL has an expense ratio of 0.94% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KOOL or QQQ?
Over the past year KOOL returned +22.64% vs +26.45% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KOOL annualized +18.63% vs +13.09% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KOOL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.4% for KOOL. Worst drawdown: KOOL -20.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both KOOL and QQQ?
KOOL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KOOL and QQQ?
KOOL and QQQ share 7 common holdings with a 22.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 134 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KOOL or QQQ?
KOOL yields 0.43% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so KOOL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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