QQQ vs ROKT
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. ROKT delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | ROKT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $212M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.28% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 39 | |
| YTD Return | +19.52% | +38.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.68% | +77.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.64% | +43.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | +25.31% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 25.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -43.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Oct 19, 2018 |
QQQ vs ROKT Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF (ROKT) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% while ROKT returned +77.71%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.52% versus a gain of 38.71% for ROKT.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.64% per year against +43.22% for ROKT; over five years the annualized figures are +15.36% and +25.31% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, ROKT has the edge at +20.47% annualized vs +13.14%. 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 25.0% for ROKT. 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 -43.3% for ROKT. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while ROKT charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $45 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.28% for ROKT.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and ROKT share 4 holdings out of 136 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or ROKT?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while ROKT charges 0.45%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or ROKT?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% vs +77.71% for ROKT, so ROKT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), QQQ annualized +13.14% vs +20.47% for ROKT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or ROKT?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 25.0% for ROKT. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs ROKT -43.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and ROKT?
QQQ and ROKT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and ROKT?
QQQ and ROKT share 4 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 136 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or ROKT?
QQQ yields 0.44% while ROKT yields 0.28%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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