QQQ vs SMCO
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Hilton Small-MidCap Opportunity 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 | SMCO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.55% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $148M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.91% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 64 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +9.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +14.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 15.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -22.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Hilton Capital Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Nov 28, 2023 |
QQQ vs SMCO Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Hilton Small-MidCap Opportunity ETF (SMCO) is a ETF from Hilton Capital Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SMCO returned +14.95%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 9.71% for SMCO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 15.9% for SMCO. 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 -22.7% for SMCO. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SMCO charges 0.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $55 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.91% for SMCO.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SMCO share 0 holdings out of 165 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 SMCO?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SMCO charges 0.55%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SMCO?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +14.95% for SMCO, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +16.35% for SMCO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SMCO?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.9% for SMCO. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SMCO -22.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SMCO?
QQQ and SMCO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SMCO?
QQQ and SMCO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 165 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SMCO?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SMCO yields 0.91%, so SMCO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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