QQQ vs SLV
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares Silver Trust
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. SLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $28.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 2 | |
| YTD Return | +19.68% | -11.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.75% | +66.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.25% | +41.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.39% | +21.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 32.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -76.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Apr 21, 2006 |
QQQ vs SLV Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares Silver Trust (SLV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% while SLV returned +66.17%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.68% versus a loss of 11.54% for SLV.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.25% per year against +41.10% for SLV; over five years the annualized figures are +15.39% and +21.50% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +7.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SLV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.5% 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 -76.3% for SLV. 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SLV charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $50 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.00% for SLV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SLV?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SLV charges 0.50%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SLV?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% vs +66.17% for SLV, so SLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQQ annualized +13.15% vs +7.34% for SLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SLV?
SLV has been the more volatile fund at 32.5% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SLV -76.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SLV?
QQQ and SLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SLV?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SLV yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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