QQQ vs SCO
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Crude Oil
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 | SCO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $715M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | -69.81% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | -66.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | -33.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | -44.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 114.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -99.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Nov 24, 2008 |
QQQ vs SCO Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Crude Oil (SCO) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while SCO returned -66.05%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a loss of 69.81% for SCO.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against -33.14% for SCO; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and -44.45% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs -19.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 114.5% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -99.7% for SCO. 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 -0.16. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SCO charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $95 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.00% for SCO.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SCO share 0 holdings out of 103 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 SCO?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SCO charges 0.95%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SCO?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs -66.05% for SCO, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs -19.57% for SCO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SCO?
SCO has been the more volatile fund at 114.5% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SCO -99.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SCO?
QQQ and SCO have a monthly-return correlation of -0.16, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SCO?
QQQ and SCO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SCO?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SCO yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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