QQQ vs QTOP
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks 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 | QTOP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.20% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $289M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.35% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 35 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +15.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +26.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 20.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -23.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Oct 24, 2024 |
QQQ vs QTOP Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks ETF (QTOP) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while QTOP returned +26.92%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 15.95% for QTOP.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 20.7% for QTOP. 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 -23.1% for QTOP. 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 0.99. 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 QTOP charges 0.20%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $20 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.35% for QTOP.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and QTOP share 30 holdings out of 104 unique holdings combined, representing a 74.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or QTOP?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while QTOP charges 0.20%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or QTOP?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +26.92% for QTOP, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +24.97% for QTOP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or QTOP?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.7% for QTOP. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs QTOP -23.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and QTOP?
QQQ and QTOP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 QTOP?
QQQ and QTOP share 30 common holdings with a 74.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or QTOP?
QQQ yields 0.44% while QTOP yields 0.35%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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