QQQ vs SEA
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs US Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. SEA delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SEA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $16M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 5.17% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 32 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +41.41% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +46.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +23.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 25.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -39.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ETF Series Solutions | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 19, 2022 |
QQQ vs SEA Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and US Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF (SEA) is a ETF from ETF Series Solutions. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SEA returned +46.53%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 41.41% for SEA.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +23.65% for SEA. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +12.02%. 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 25.0% for SEA. 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 -39.5% for SEA. 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SEA charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $60 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 5.17% for SEA.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SEA share 0 holdings out of 132 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 SEA?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SEA charges 0.60%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SEA?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +46.53% for SEA, so SEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +12.02% for SEA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SEA?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 25.0% for SEA. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SEA -39.5%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SEA?
QQQ and SEA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SEA?
QQQ and SEA share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 132 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SEA?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SEA yields 5.17%, so SEA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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