QQQ vs SJB
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares Short High Yield
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 | SJB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $48M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.59% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +0.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +0.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | -2.82% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | -0.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 7.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -59.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 21, 2011 |
QQQ vs SJB Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares Short High Yield (SJB) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while SJB returned +0.44%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 0.78% for SJB.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against -2.82% for SJB; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and -0.66% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs -5.29%. 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 7.3% for SJB. 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 -59.7% for SJB. 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 -0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SJB 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 0.44% against 3.59% for SJB.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SJB share 0 holdings out of 103 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 SJB?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SJB 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 SJB?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +0.44% for SJB, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs -5.29% for SJB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SJB?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 7.3% for SJB. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SJB -59.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SJB?
QQQ and SJB have a monthly-return correlation of -0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SJB?
QQQ and SJB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SJB?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SJB yields 3.59%, so SJB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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