QQQ vs SCOW
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Pacer S&P SmallCap 600 Quality FCF Aristocrats 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 | SCOW | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $2M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.36% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 81 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +19.11% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +16.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 12.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -10.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Pacer ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Aug 27, 2025 |
QQQ vs SCOW Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Pacer S&P SmallCap 600 Quality FCF Aristocrats ETF (SCOW) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SCOW returned +16.88%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 19.11% for SCOW.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 12.3% for SCOW. 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 -10.1% for SCOW. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SCOW charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $59 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.36% for SCOW.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SCOW share 0 holdings out of 105 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 SCOW?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SCOW charges 0.59%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SCOW?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +16.88% for SCOW, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SCOW?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.3% for SCOW. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SCOW -10.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SCOW?
QQQ and SCOW have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SCOW?
QQQ and SCOW share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 105 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SCOW?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SCOW yields 0.36%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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