QQQ vs SMIN
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SMIN offers more diversification with 467 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SMIN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.74% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $772M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 467 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +2.04% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | -2.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +8.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +7.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 26.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -60.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Feb 8, 2012 |
QQQ vs SMIN Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF (SMIN) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while SMIN returned -2.48%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 2.04% for SMIN.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +8.50% for SMIN; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +7.29% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +8.91%. 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 26.4% for SMIN. 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 -60.5% for SMIN. 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SMIN charges 0.74%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $74 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.00% for SMIN.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SMIN share 0 holdings out of 561 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 SMIN?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SMIN charges 0.74%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SMIN?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs -2.48% for SMIN, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +8.91% for SMIN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SMIN?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 26.4% for SMIN. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SMIN -60.5%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SMIN?
QQQ and SMIN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SMIN?
QQQ and SMIN share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 561 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SMIN?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SMIN yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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