QQQ vs SAA
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares Ultra SmallCap600
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. SAA delivered stronger 1-year returns. SAA offers more diversification with 600 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SAA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $29M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.74% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 607 | |
| YTD Return | +18.31% | +44.76% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.37% | +60.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.79% | +19.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.20% | +4.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 41.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -88.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 23, 2007 |
QQQ vs SAA Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares Ultra SmallCap600 (SAA) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% while SAA returned +60.19%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.31% versus a gain of 44.76% for SAA.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.79% per year against +19.96% for SAA; over five years the annualized figures are +15.20% and +4.84% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +9.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SAA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.1% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -88.1% for SAA. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SAA charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $95 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.74% for SAA.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SAA share 1 holdings out of 702 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in SAA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XEL | 0.22% | 0.04% | 0.18% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SAA?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SAA charges 0.95%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SAA?
Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% vs +60.19% for SAA, so SAA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQQ annualized +13.10% vs +9.15% for SAA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SAA?
SAA has been the more volatile fund at 41.1% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SAA -88.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SAA?
QQQ and SAA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SAA?
QQQ and SAA share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 702 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SAA?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SAA yields 0.74%, so SAA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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