QQQ vs SEIX
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Virtus Seix Senior Loan ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SEIX offers more diversification with 223 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SEIX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.57% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $257M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 7.16% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 223 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +3.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +5.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +7.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +5.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 5.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -18.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Apr 23, 2019 |
QQQ vs SEIX Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Virtus Seix Senior Loan ETF (SEIX) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while SEIX returned +5.19%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 3.10% for SEIX.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +7.08% for SEIX; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +5.79% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +4.13%. 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 5.0% for SEIX. 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 -18.2% for SEIX. 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SEIX charges 0.57%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $57 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 7.16% for SEIX.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SEIX share 0 holdings out of 104 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 SEIX?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SEIX charges 0.57%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SEIX?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +5.19% for SEIX, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +4.13% for SEIX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SEIX?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 5.0% for SEIX. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SEIX -18.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SEIX?
QQQ and SEIX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SEIX?
QQQ and SEIX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SEIX?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SEIX yields 7.16%, so SEIX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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