QQQ vs QQQY
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Defiance Nasdaq 100 Weekly Distribution ETF
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 | QQQ | QQQY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 1.01% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $189M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 36.53% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +16.30% | +14.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.83% | +22.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.48% | +27.76% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.50% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 15.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -12.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Defiance ETFs, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 13, 2023 |
QQQ vs QQQY Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Defiance Nasdaq 100 Weekly Distribution ETF (QQQY) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC. Over the past year QQQ returned +24.83% while QQQY returned +22.24%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.30% versus a gain of 14.40% for QQQY.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.48% per year against +27.76% for QQQY. Across the full 3-year window we track, QQQY has the edge at +27.76% annualized vs +13.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 15.6% for QQQY. 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 -83.0% for QQQ and -12.6% for QQQY. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while QQQY charges 1.01%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $101 annually, a gap of $83 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 36.53% for QQQY.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and QQQY share 0 holdings out of 103 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, QQQ or QQQY?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while QQQY charges 1.01%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $83 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or QQQY?
Over the past year QQQ returned +24.83% vs +22.24% for QQQY, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +13.01% vs +27.76% for QQQY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or QQQY?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.6% for QQQY. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs QQQY -12.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and QQQY?
QQQ and QQQY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and QQQY?
QQQ and QQQY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or QQQY?
QQQ yields 0.44% while QQQY yields 36.53%, so QQQY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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