QQQ vs SMB
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs VanEck Short Muni ETF
Quick Verdict
SMB has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SMB offers more diversification with 326 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SMB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $312M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.77% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 326 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | -1.09% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +0.34% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +2.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +0.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 20.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -29.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | VanEck | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Feb 22, 2008 |
QQQ vs SMB Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and VanEck Short Muni ETF (SMB) is a ETF from VanEck. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while SMB returned +0.34%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a loss of 1.09% for SMB.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +2.86% for SMB; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +0.78% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +1.86%. 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 20.6% for SMB. 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 -29.3% for SMB. 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 0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SMB charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $7 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 2.77% for SMB.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SMB share 0 holdings out of 137 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 SMB?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SMB charges 0.07%. SMB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SMB?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +0.34% for SMB, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +1.86% for SMB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SMB?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.6% for SMB. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SMB -29.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SMB?
QQQ and SMB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SMB?
QQQ and SMB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 137 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SMB?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SMB yields 2.77%, so SMB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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