QQQ vs SCHR
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Schwab Intermediate-Term US Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHR has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SCHR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $13.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.95% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 102 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | -0.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +1.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +4.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | -0.15% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 4.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -16.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Aug 5, 2010 |
QQQ vs SCHR Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Schwab Intermediate-Term US Treasury ETF (SCHR) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SCHR returned +1.70%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a loss of 0.48% for SCHR.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +4.20% for SCHR; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and -0.15% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +0.84%. 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 4.2% for SCHR. 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 -16.6% for SCHR. 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 0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SCHR 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 3.95% for SCHR.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SCHR share 0 holdings out of 176 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 SCHR?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SCHR charges 0.03%. SCHR is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SCHR?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +1.70% for SCHR, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +0.84% for SCHR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SCHR?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.2% for SCHR. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SCHR -16.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SCHR?
QQQ and SCHR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SCHR?
QQQ and SCHR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 176 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SCHR?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SCHR yields 3.95%, so SCHR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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