QQQ vs SIMS
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SIMS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $9M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.56% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 55 | |
| YTD Return | +17.07% | +4.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.39% | +16.40% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.08% | +10.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.18% | +1.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 24.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -44.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 18, 2017 |
QQQ vs SIMS Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF (SIMS) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.39% while SIMS returned +16.40%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.07% versus a gain of 4.69% for SIMS.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.08% per year against +10.72% for SIMS; over five years the annualized figures are +15.18% and +1.27% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.05% annualized vs +5.41%. 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 24.7% for SIMS. 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 -44.0% for SIMS. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SIMS charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $45 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.56% for SIMS.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SIMS share 4 holdings out of 152 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SIMS?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SIMS charges 0.45%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SIMS?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.39% vs +16.40% for SIMS, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), QQQ annualized +13.05% vs +5.41% for SIMS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SIMS?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 24.7% for SIMS. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SIMS -44.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SIMS?
QQQ and SIMS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SIMS?
QQQ and SIMS share 4 common holdings with a 3.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 152 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SIMS?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SIMS yields 0.56%, so SIMS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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