QQQ vs SDOW
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares UltraPro Short Dow30
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 | SDOW | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $177M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 5.42% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 17 | |
| YTD Return | +17.30% | -25.86% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.93% | -39.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.19% | -59.21% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.34% | -44.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 42.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -100.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Feb 9, 2010 |
QQQ vs SDOW Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares UltraPro Short Dow30 (SDOW) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +24.93% while SDOW returned -39.74%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.30% versus a loss of 25.86% for SDOW.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.19% per year against -59.21% for SDOW; over five years the annualized figures are +15.34% and -44.23% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs -43.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDOW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 42.7% 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 -100.0% for SDOW. 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 -0.72. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SDOW 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 5.42% for SDOW.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SDOW 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 SDOW?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SDOW 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 SDOW?
Over the past year QQQ returned +24.93% vs -39.74% for SDOW, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), QQQ annualized +13.06% vs -43.24% for SDOW. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SDOW?
SDOW has been the more volatile fund at 42.7% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SDOW -100.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SDOW?
QQQ and SDOW have a monthly-return correlation of -0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SDOW?
QQQ and SDOW share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SDOW?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SDOW yields 5.42%, so SDOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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