LGLV vs QQQ
State Street SPDR US Large Cap Low Volatility Index ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
LGLV has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. LGLV offers more diversification with 174 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LGLV | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.99% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 174 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +8.16% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.09% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.28% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.06% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 20, 2013 | Mar 10, 1999 |
LGLV vs QQQ Performance
State Street SPDR US Large Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (LGLV) 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 LGLV returned +8.09% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, LGLV is up 8.16% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, LGLV compounded at +13.28% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.06% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +9.79%. 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 12.9% for LGLV. 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 -37.0% for LGLV 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LGLV charges 0.12% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $18 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LGLV currently yields 1.99% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
LGLV and QQQ share 19 holdings out of 256 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LGLV or QQQ?
LGLV has an expense ratio of 0.12% while QQQ charges 0.18%. LGLV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LGLV or QQQ?
Over the past year LGLV returned +8.09% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), LGLV annualized +9.79% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LGLV or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.9% for LGLV. Worst drawdown: LGLV -37.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both LGLV and QQQ?
LGLV and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LGLV and QQQ?
LGLV and QQQ share 19 common holdings with a 9.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 256 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LGLV or QQQ?
LGLV yields 1.99% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so LGLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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