QQQ vs SIL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Global X Silver Miners ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. SIL delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SIL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.65% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $4.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.38% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 44 | |
| YTD Return | +17.07% | +15.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.39% | +86.61% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.08% | +59.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.18% | +22.06% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 40.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -83.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Global X by mirae Asset | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Apr 19, 2010 |
QQQ vs SIL Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.39% while SIL returned +86.61%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.07% versus a gain of 15.65% for SIL.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.08% per year against +59.22% for SIL; over five years the annualized figures are +15.18% and +22.06% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.05% annualized vs +5.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SIL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 40.3% 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 -83.4% for SIL. 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 0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SIL charges 0.65%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $65 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.38% for SIL.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SIL share 0 holdings out of 139 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 SIL?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SIL charges 0.65%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SIL?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.39% vs +86.61% for SIL, so SIL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), QQQ annualized +13.05% vs +5.26% for SIL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SIL?
SIL has been the more volatile fund at 40.3% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SIL -83.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SIL?
QQQ and SIL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SIL?
QQQ and SIL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 139 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SIL?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SIL yields 1.38%, so SIL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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