QQQ vs SCHK
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Schwab 1000 Index ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHK has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHK offers more diversification with 987 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SCHK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $6.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.04% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 987 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +12.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +20.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +21.74% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +12.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 16.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -34.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Oct 11, 2017 |
QQQ vs SCHK Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Schwab 1000 Index ETF (SCHK) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while SCHK returned +20.89%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 12.47% for SCHK.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +21.74% for SCHK; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +12.38% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SCHK has the edge at +13.86% annualized vs +13.02%. 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 16.6% for SCHK. 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 -34.8% for SCHK. 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 0.92. 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 SCHK charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $3 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.04% for SCHK.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SCHK share 92 holdings out of 992 unique holdings combined, representing a 49.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SCHK?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SCHK charges 0.03%. SCHK is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SCHK?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +20.89% for SCHK, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +13.86% for SCHK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SCHK?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.6% for SCHK. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SCHK -34.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SCHK?
QQQ and SCHK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 SCHK?
QQQ and SCHK share 92 common holdings with a 49.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 992 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SCHK?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SCHK yields 1.04%, so SCHK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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