QQQ vs SMLF
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares US Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF
Quick Verdict
SMLF has a lower expense ratio. SMLF delivered stronger 1-year returns. SMLF offers more diversification with 934 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SMLF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.15% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $4.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.02% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 934 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +18.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +27.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +20.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +11.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 18.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -43.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Apr 28, 2015 |
QQQ vs SMLF Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares US Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF (SMLF) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SMLF returned +27.96%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 18.26% for SMLF.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +20.43% for SMLF; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +11.78% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +11.06%. 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 18.9% for SMLF. 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 -43.1% for SMLF. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SMLF charges 0.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $15 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.02% for SMLF.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SMLF share 1 holdings out of 963 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in SMLF | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALAB | 0.24% | 0.92% | 0.68% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SMLF?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SMLF charges 0.15%. SMLF is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SMLF?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +27.96% for SMLF, so SMLF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +11.06% for SMLF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SMLF?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.9% for SMLF. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SMLF -43.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SMLF?
QQQ and SMLF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SMLF?
QQQ and SMLF share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 963 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SMLF?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SMLF yields 1.02%, so SMLF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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