PSLV vs QQQ
Sprott Physical Silver Trust vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. PSLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PSLV | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $13.9B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -7.68% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +74.22% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +40.92% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.50% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott Asset Management LP | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 27, 2010 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PSLV vs QQQ Performance
Sprott Physical Silver Trust (PSLV) is a ETF from Sprott Asset Management LP and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PSLV returned +74.22% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, PSLV is down 7.68% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, PSLV compounded at +40.92% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +22.50% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +5.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PSLV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.6% compared with 30.6% 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 -79.4% for PSLV 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSLV charges 0.56% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $18 annually, a gap of $38 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSLV currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PSLV or QQQ?
PSLV has an expense ratio of 0.56% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $38 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSLV or QQQ?
Over the past year PSLV returned +74.22% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so PSLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PSLV annualized +5.20% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSLV or QQQ?
PSLV has been the more volatile fund at 32.6% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: PSLV -79.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PSLV and QQQ?
PSLV and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSLV or QQQ?
PSLV yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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