PSWD vs QQQ
Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. PSWD delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PSWD | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $5M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.63% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +36.99% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.90% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PSWD vs QQQ Performance
Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF (PSWD) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PSWD returned +30.90% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, PSWD is up 36.99% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 21.2% for PSWD. 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 -23.7% for PSWD 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSWD charges 0.20% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $18 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSWD currently yields 0.63% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PSWD and QQQ share 4 holdings out of 149 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PSWD or QQQ?
PSWD has an expense ratio of 0.20% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSWD or QQQ?
Over the past year PSWD returned +30.90% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so PSWD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), PSWD annualized +15.79% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSWD or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 21.2% for PSWD. Worst drawdown: PSWD -23.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PSWD and QQQ?
PSWD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PSWD and QQQ?
PSWD and QQQ share 4 common holdings with a 3.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 149 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSWD or QQQ?
PSWD yields 0.63% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so PSWD 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.