QALT vs QQQ
SEI DBi Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QALT | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $195M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.03% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 17 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +7.27% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.01% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | SEI EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 25, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
QALT vs QQQ Performance
SEI DBi Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF (QALT) is a ETF from SEI EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year QALT returned +13.01% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, QALT is up 7.27% 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 7.3% for QALT. 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 -4.8% for QALT 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QALT charges 0.80% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $18 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QALT currently yields 6.03% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QALT or QQQ?
QALT has an expense ratio of 0.80% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QALT or QQQ?
Over the past year QALT returned +13.01% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QALT or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 7.3% for QALT. Worst drawdown: QALT -4.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both QALT and QQQ?
QALT and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QALT or QQQ?
QALT yields 6.03% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QALT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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