QQQ vs SMDV
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Proshares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers 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 | SMDV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.40% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $757M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.28% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 101 | |
| YTD Return | +19.52% | +18.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.68% | +18.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.64% | +11.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | +6.62% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 16.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -34.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Feb 3, 2015 |
QQQ vs SMDV Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Proshares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% while SMDV returned +18.30%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.52% versus a gain of 18.92% for SMDV.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.64% per year against +11.20% for SMDV; over five years the annualized figures are +15.36% and +6.62% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +8.28%. 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 16.0% for SMDV. 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 -34.1% for SMDV. 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SMDV charges 0.40%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $40 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 2.28% for SMDV.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SMDV share 0 holdings out of 202 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 SMDV?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SMDV charges 0.40%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SMDV?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% vs +18.30% for SMDV, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QQQ annualized +13.14% vs +8.28% for SMDV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SMDV?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.0% for SMDV. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SMDV -34.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SMDV?
QQQ and SMDV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SMDV?
QQQ and SMDV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 202 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SMDV?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SMDV yields 2.28%, so SMDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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