QQQ vs SMCL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Graniteshares 2x Long SMCI Daily ETF
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 | SMCL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 1.50% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $60M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 2 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | -49.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | -78.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 193.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -97.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | GraniteShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 12, 2024 |
QQQ vs SMCL Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Graniteshares 2x Long SMCI Daily ETF (SMCL) is a ETF from GraniteShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SMCL returned -78.75%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a loss of 49.48% for SMCL.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 193.0% 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 -97.5% for SMCL. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SMCL charges 1.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $150 annually, a gap of $132 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.00% for SMCL.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SMCL 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 SMCL?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SMCL charges 1.50%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $132 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SMCL?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs -78.75% for SMCL, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs -73.81% for SMCL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SMCL?
SMCL has been the more volatile fund at 193.0% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SMCL -97.5%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SMCL?
QQQ and SMCL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SMCL?
QQQ and SMCL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SMCL?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SMCL yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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