QQQ vs SIXL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SIXL offers more diversification with 241 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SIXL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.46% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $206M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.17% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 241 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +10.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +10.59% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +10.11% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +4.85% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 12.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -16.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | 6 Meridian ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 11, 2020 |
QQQ vs SIXL Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and 6 Meridian Low Beta Equity Strategy ETF (SIXL) is a ETF from 6 Meridian ETF. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while SIXL returned +10.59%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 10.83% for SIXL.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +10.11% for SIXL; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +4.85% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +8.82%. 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 12.4% for SIXL. 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 -16.1% for SIXL. 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SIXL charges 0.46%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $46 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 2.17% for SIXL.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SIXL share 9 holdings out of 333 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SIXL?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SIXL charges 0.46%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SIXL?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +10.59% for SIXL, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +8.82% for SIXL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SIXL?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.4% for SIXL. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SIXL -16.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SIXL?
QQQ and SIXL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SIXL?
QQQ and SIXL share 9 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 333 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SIXL?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SIXL yields 2.17%, so SIXL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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