QQQ vs SAWG
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs AAM Sawgrass US Large Cap Quality Growth 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 | SAWG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.49% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $3M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.25% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 45 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +10.05% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +16.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 12.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -18.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jul 30, 2024 |
QQQ vs SAWG Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and AAM Sawgrass US Large Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWG) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc.. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SAWG returned +16.89%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 10.05% for SAWG.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 12.2% for SAWG. 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 -18.7% for SAWG. 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 0.94. 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 SAWG charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $49 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.25% for SAWG.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SAWG share 20 holdings out of 126 unique holdings combined, representing a 40.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SAWG?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SAWG charges 0.49%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SAWG?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +16.89% for SAWG, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +13.10% for SAWG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SAWG?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.2% for SAWG. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SAWG -18.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SAWG?
QQQ and SAWG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 SAWG?
QQQ and SAWG share 20 common holdings with a 40.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 126 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SAWG?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SAWG yields 0.25%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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