QQQ vs SMCY
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs YieldMax SMCI Option Income Strategy 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 | SMCY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 1.01% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $135M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 180.22% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 18 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +3.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | -20.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 71.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -64.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | YieldMax ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 11, 2024 |
QQQ vs SMCY Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and YieldMax SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF (SMCY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SMCY returned -20.14%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 3.71% for SMCY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 71.4% 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 -64.8% for SMCY. 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SMCY charges 1.01%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $101 annually, a gap of $83 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 180.22% for SMCY.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SMCY share 0 holdings out of 105 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 SMCY?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SMCY charges 1.01%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $83 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SMCY?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs -20.14% for SMCY, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs -22.06% for SMCY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SMCY?
SMCY has been the more volatile fund at 71.4% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SMCY -64.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SMCY?
QQQ and SMCY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SMCY?
QQQ and SMCY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 105 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SMCY?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SMCY yields 180.22%, so SMCY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.