QQQ vs SETH
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares Short Ether ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. SETH delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SETH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $15M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 9.88% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 2 | |
| YTD Return | +17.46% | +30.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.02% | +48.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.51% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 65.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -80.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Nov 2, 2023 |
QQQ vs SETH Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares Short Ether ETF (SETH) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% while SETH returned +48.86%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.46% versus a gain of 30.19% for SETH.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SETH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 65.7% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -80.8% for SETH. 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 -0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SETH 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 0.41% against 9.88% for SETH.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SETH?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SETH 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 SETH?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% vs +48.86% for SETH, so SETH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +13.08% vs -32.34% for SETH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SETH?
SETH has been the more volatile fund at 65.7% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SETH -80.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SETH?
QQQ and SETH have a monthly-return correlation of -0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SETH?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SETH yields 9.88%, so SETH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.