LST vs QQQ
Leuthold Select Industries ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. LST delivered stronger 1-year returns. LST offers more diversification with 110 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LST | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $174M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.17% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 110 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +17.14% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.65% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Leuthold Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2000 | Mar 10, 1999 |
LST vs QQQ Performance
Leuthold Select Industries ETF (LST) is a ETF from Leuthold Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year LST returned +28.65% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, LST is up 17.14% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 14.3% for LST. 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 -19.5% for LST 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LST charges 0.65% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $18 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LST currently yields 1.17% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
LST and QQQ share 18 holdings out of 203 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LST or QQQ?
LST has an expense ratio of 0.65% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LST or QQQ?
Over the past year LST returned +28.65% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so LST leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), LST annualized +21.77% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LST or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.3% for LST. Worst drawdown: LST -19.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both LST and QQQ?
LST and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LST and QQQ?
LST and QQQ share 18 common holdings with a 16.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 203 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LST or QQQ?
LST yields 1.17% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so LST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.