QQQ vs SAMT
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SAMT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.66% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $867M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.58% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 36 | |
| YTD Return | +19.68% | +12.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.75% | +24.41% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.25% | +24.71% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.39% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 16.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -20.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Strategas Asset Management, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 25, 2022 |
QQQ vs SAMT Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF (SAMT) is a ETF from Strategas Asset Management, LLC. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% while SAMT returned +24.41%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.68% versus a gain of 12.42% for SAMT.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.25% per year against +24.71% for SAMT. Across the full 5-year window we track, SAMT has the edge at +13.94% annualized vs +13.15%. 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 16.4% for SAMT. 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 -20.6% for SAMT. 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 SAMT charges 0.66%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $66 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.58% for SAMT.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SAMT share 9 holdings out of 134 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SAMT?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SAMT charges 0.66%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SAMT?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% vs +24.41% for SAMT, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.15% vs +13.94% for SAMT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SAMT?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.4% for SAMT. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SAMT -20.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SAMT?
QQQ and SAMT 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 SAMT?
QQQ and SAMT share 9 common holdings with a 12.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 134 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SAMT?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SAMT yields 0.58%, so SAMT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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