QQQ vs SMCP
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs SMART Mid Cap 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 | SMCP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $9M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 33 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +7.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +7.20% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +1.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | -2.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 21.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -43.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | SMART Wealth, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 11, 2026 |
QQQ vs SMCP Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and SMART Mid Cap ETF (SMCP) is a ETF from SMART Wealth, LLC. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SMCP returned +7.20%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 7.20% for SMCP.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +1.81% for SMCP; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and -2.22% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +0.83%. 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 21.1% for SMCP. 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 -43.8% for SMCP. 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SMCP charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $79 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.00% for SMCP.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SMCP share 0 holdings out of 134 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 SMCP?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SMCP charges 0.79%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SMCP?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +7.20% for SMCP, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +0.83% for SMCP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SMCP?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 21.1% for SMCP. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SMCP -43.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SMCP?
QQQ and SMCP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SMCP?
QQQ and SMCP share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 134 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SMCP?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SMCP yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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