QQQ vs SEMI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Columbia Select Technology ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. SEMI delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SEMI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $40M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.76% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 36 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +22.73% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +38.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +26.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 29.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -32.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 29, 2022 |
QQQ vs SEMI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Columbia Select Technology ETF (SEMI) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SEMI returned +38.45%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 22.73% for SEMI.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +26.94% for SEMI. Across the full 4-year window we track, SEMI has the edge at +17.53% annualized vs +13.03%. 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 29.1% for SEMI. 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 -32.9% for SEMI. 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SEMI charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $75 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 3.76% for SEMI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SEMI share 25 holdings out of 112 unique holdings combined, representing a 53.8% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SEMI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SEMI charges 0.75%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SEMI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +38.45% for SEMI, so SEMI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +17.53% for SEMI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SEMI?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 29.1% for SEMI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SEMI -32.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SEMI?
QQQ and SEMI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SEMI?
QQQ and SEMI share 25 common holdings with a 53.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 112 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SEMI?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SEMI yields 3.76%, so SEMI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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