QQQ vs SHV
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares 0-1 Year Treasury Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
SHV has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SHV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.15% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $20.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.78% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 66 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +2.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +3.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +4.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +3.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 0.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -0.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 5, 2007 |
QQQ vs SHV Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares 0-1 Year Treasury Bond ETF (SHV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while SHV returned +3.75%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 2.20% for SHV.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +4.67% for SHV; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +3.56% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +0.98%. 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 0.6% for SHV. 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 -0.9% for SHV. 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 -0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SHV charges 0.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $15 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 3.78% for SHV.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SHV share 0 holdings out of 118 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 SHV?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SHV charges 0.15%. SHV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SHV?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +3.75% for SHV, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +0.98% for SHV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SHV?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 0.6% for SHV. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SHV -0.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SHV?
QQQ and SHV have a monthly-return correlation of -0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SHV?
QQQ and SHV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 118 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SHV?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SHV yields 3.78%, so SHV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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