QLDY vs QQQ
Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income 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 | QLDY | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.04% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $51M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 38.48% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.75% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.48% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 17, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
QLDY vs QQQ Performance
Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF (QLDY) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year QLDY returned +15.48% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, QLDY is up 12.75% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -14.8% for QLDY and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLDY charges 1.04% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $104 vs $18 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLDY currently yields 38.48% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
QLDY and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 105 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, QLDY or QQQ?
QLDY has an expense ratio of 1.04% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLDY or QQQ?
Over the past year QLDY returned +15.48% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
What is the holdings overlap between QLDY and QQQ?
QLDY and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 105 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLDY or QQQ?
QLDY yields 38.48% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QLDY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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