LAYS vs QQQ

LAYS vs QQQ

Which is better, LAYS or QQQ?

Multi Alternative against Large Cap Growth.

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. LAYS led over 1Y and the full window.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: LAYS

MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLAYSQQQ
Expense Ratio1.29%0.18%Best
AUM$6M$483.5B
Dividend Yield15.43%0.44%
Holdings5107
Volatility (annualized)115.8%17.0%Best
Max Drawdown-47.2%-15.7%Best
$10,000 over 1.1 years$38,035Best$13,321
Fund FamilyQuantify FundsInvesco (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
StyleMulti AlternativeLarge Cap Growth
InceptionMar 5, 2025Mar 10, 1999

Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.

The two price series end 141 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. LAYS has data through Apr 23, 2026 and QQQ through Sep 11, 2026.

Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 6, 2025 to Apr 23, 2026 (1.1 years).

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

LAYS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 115.8% compared with 17.0% for QQQ. 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 -47.2% for LAYS and -15.7% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

LAYS charges 1.29% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $129 vs $18 annually, a gap of $111 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LAYS currently yields 15.43% against 0.44% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

We hold position weights for 2 holdings in LAYS and 102 in QQQ, totalling 8.1% and 99.9% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.

The two holdings books were reported 217 days apart, LAYS as of Dec 31, 2025 and QQQ as of Aug 5, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.

0 positions in common, counted across the 2 positions we hold weights for in LAYS and 102 in QQQ, against full books of 5 and 107.

You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.

Whichever of LAYS and QQQ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.

LAYSQQQ

Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, LAYS or QQQ?

LAYS has an expense ratio of 1.29% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $111 a year on a $10,000 investment.

Which is riskier, LAYS or QQQ?

LAYS has been the more volatile fund at 115.8% annualized versus 17.0% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: LAYS -47.2% vs QQQ -15.7%.

Should I hold both LAYS and QQQ?

LAYS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.

Which pays a higher dividend, LAYS or QQQ?

LAYS yields 15.43% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so LAYS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Is QQQ better than LAYS?

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. LAYS led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.