QQQ vs SAWS
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs AAM Sawgrass US Small 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 | SAWS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.55% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $8M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.02% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 72 | |
| YTD Return | +19.68% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.75% | +18.20% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.25% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.39% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 18.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -22.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jul 30, 2024 |
QQQ vs SAWS Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and AAM Sawgrass US Small Cap Quality Growth ETF (SAWS) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc.. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% while SAWS returned +18.20%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.68% versus a gain of 15.60% for SAWS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 18.4% for SAWS. 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 -22.0% for SAWS. 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SAWS charges 0.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $55 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.02% for SAWS.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SAWS share 0 holdings out of 174 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SAWS?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SAWS charges 0.55%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SAWS?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% vs +18.20% for SAWS, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.15% vs +13.18% for SAWS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SAWS?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.4% for SAWS. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SAWS -22.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SAWS?
QQQ and SAWS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SAWS?
QQQ and SAWS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 174 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SAWS?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SAWS yields 0.02%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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