QQQ vs SDOG
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. SDOG delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SDOG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.36% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $1.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.33% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 51 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +23.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +29.18% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +18.90% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +11.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 15.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -46.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ALPS Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jun 29, 2012 |
QQQ vs SDOG Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while SDOG returned +29.18%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 23.22% for SDOG.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +18.90% for SDOG; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +11.50% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +9.48%. 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 15.8% for SDOG. 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 -46.4% for SDOG. 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SDOG charges 0.36%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $36 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 3.33% for SDOG.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SDOG share 7 holdings out of 145 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SDOG?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SDOG charges 0.36%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SDOG?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +29.18% for SDOG, so SDOG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +9.48% for SDOG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SDOG?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.8% for SDOG. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SDOG -46.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SDOG?
QQQ and SDOG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SDOG?
QQQ and SDOG share 7 common holdings with a 3.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 145 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SDOG?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SDOG yields 3.33%, so SDOG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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