QQH vs SPY
HCM Defender 100 Index ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQH | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $772M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.20% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 93 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.75% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.44% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.04% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.57% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Howard Capital Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 9, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QQH vs SPY Performance
HCM Defender 100 Index ETF (QQH) is a ETF from Howard Capital Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQH returned +18.44% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, QQH is up 7.75% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, QQH compounded at +22.04% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.57% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QQH has the edge at +19.12% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.7% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -41.9% for QQH and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQH charges 0.98% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $9 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQH currently yields 0.20% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QQH and SPY share 90 holdings out of 513 unique holdings combined, representing a 52.6% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQH or SPY?
QQH has an expense ratio of 0.98% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQH or SPY?
Over the past year QQH returned +18.44% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QQH annualized +19.12% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQH or SPY?
QQH has been the more volatile fund at 22.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: QQH -41.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QQH and SPY?
QQH and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQH and SPY?
QQH and SPY share 90 common holdings with a 52.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 513 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQH or SPY?
QQH yields 0.20% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY 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.