QQQ vs SLQD
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares 0-5 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
SLQD has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SLQD offers more diversification with 3,046 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SLQD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $2.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 4.34% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 3,046 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +1.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +3.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +5.68% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +2.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 2.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -12.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Oct 15, 2013 |
QQQ vs SLQD Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares 0-5 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (SLQD) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SLQD returned +3.53%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 1.46% for SLQD.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +5.68% for SLQD; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +2.72% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +1.39%. 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 2.3% for SLQD. 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 -12.7% for SLQD. 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 SLQD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $6 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 4.34% for SLQD.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SLQD?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SLQD charges 0.06%. SLQD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SLQD?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +3.53% for SLQD, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +1.39% for SLQD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SLQD?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 2.3% for SLQD. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SLQD -12.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SLQD?
QQQ and SLQD 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 SLQD?
QQQ and SLQD share 2 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2797 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SLQD?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SLQD yields 4.34%, so SLQD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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