MDYG vs QQQ
State Street SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
MDYG has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. MDYG offers more diversification with 247 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MDYG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3.0B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.59% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 247 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +17.70% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.22% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.78% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.25% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 8, 2005 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MDYG vs QQQ Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF (MDYG) 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 MDYG returned +25.22% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, MDYG is up 17.70% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, MDYG compounded at +16.78% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.25% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +9.31%. 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 18.3% for MDYG. 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 -59.3% for MDYG 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MDYG charges 0.15% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $18 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MDYG currently yields 0.59% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MDYG and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 348 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, MDYG or QQQ?
MDYG has an expense ratio of 0.15% while QQQ charges 0.18%. MDYG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MDYG or QQQ?
Over the past year MDYG returned +25.22% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), MDYG annualized +9.31% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MDYG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.3% for MDYG. Worst drawdown: MDYG -59.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MDYG and QQQ?
MDYG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MDYG and QQQ?
MDYG and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 348 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MDYG or QQQ?
MDYG yields 0.59% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so MDYG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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