QQQ vs SDP
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares UltraShort Utilities
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 | SDP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $4M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 4.07% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +17.13% | +0.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.75% | -3.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.85% | -19.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.21% | -13.99% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 30.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -99.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 30, 2007 |
QQQ vs SDP Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares UltraShort Utilities (SDP) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +24.75% while SDP returned -3.27%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.13% versus a gain of 0.70% for SDP.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.85% per year against -19.86% for SDP; over five years the annualized figures are +14.21% and -13.99% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.04% annualized vs -24.51%. 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 30.5% for SDP. 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 -99.8% for SDP. 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 -0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SDP 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 4.07% for SDP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SDP?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SDP 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 SDP?
Over the past year QQQ returned +24.75% vs -3.27% for SDP, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQQ annualized +13.04% vs -24.51% for SDP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SDP?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 30.5% for SDP. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SDP -99.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SDP?
QQQ and SDP have a monthly-return correlation of -0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SDP?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SDP yields 4.07%, so SDP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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