QQQ vs SEEM

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. SEEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SEEM offers more diversification with 234 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: SEEMMore Diversified: SEEM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQSEEMWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%0.60%
AUM$455.8B$604M
Dividend Yield0.41%2.52%
Holdings108249
YTD Return+19.68%+23.41%
1Y Return+26.75%+39.74%
3Y Return (annualized)+26.25%-
5Y Return (annualized)+15.39%-
Volatility (annualized)30.6%17.1%
Max Drawdown-83.0%-14.0%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)SEI EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 10, 1999Oct 10, 2024

QQQ vs SEEM Performance

Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SEEM) is a ETF from SEI EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% while SEEM returned +39.74%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.68% versus a gain of 23.41% for SEEM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 17.1% for SEEM. 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 -14.0% for SEEM. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SEEM 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 0.41% against 2.52% for SEEM.

Holdings Overlap

0.3%overlap

QQQ and SEEM share 1 holdings out of 336 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in QQQWeight in SEEMDifference
PDD0.25%0.52%0.27%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QQQ or SEEM?

QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SEEM 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 SEEM?

Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% vs +39.74% for SEEM, so SEEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.15% vs +31.72% for SEEM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQQ or SEEM?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.1% for SEEM. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SEEM -14.0%.

Should I hold both QQQ and SEEM?

QQQ and SEEM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SEEM?

QQQ and SEEM share 1 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 336 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SEEM?

QQQ yields 0.41% while SEEM yields 2.52%, so SEEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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