QQQ vs SMLF
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares US Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF
Which is better, QQQ or SMLF?
Large Cap Growth against Small Cap Blend.
SMLF has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, SMLF over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SMLF |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.15%Best |
| AUM | $437.3B | $4.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.43% | 0.98% |
| Holdings | 208 | 1,951 |
| YTD Return | +12.98% | +14.92%Best |
| 1Y Return | +11.59% | +17.48%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.05%Best | +21.52% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.74%Best | +9.20% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8%Tie | 18.8%Tie |
| Max Drawdown | -35.1%Best | -43.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,213Best | $15,528 |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Small Cap Blend |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Apr 28, 2015 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 30, 2015 to Nov 11, 2026 (11.5 years).
QQQ vs SMLF growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 11.5 years both funds cover.
QQQ vs SMLF Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares US Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF (SMLF) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +11.59% while SMLF returned +17.48%. Year to date, QQQ is up 12.98% versus a gain of 14.92% for SMLF.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +23.05% per year against +21.52% for SMLF; over five years the annualized figures are +12.74% and +9.20% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +17.82% annualized vs +10.56%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ and SMLF have been equally volatile, both at 18.8% annualized.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -35.1% for QQQ and -43.1% for SMLF. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.71. 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 0.43% against 0.98% for SMLF.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of QQQ and SMLF you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $3 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, QQQ or SMLF?
Over the past year QQQ returned +11.59% vs +17.48% for SMLF, so SMLF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QQQ annualized +17.82% vs +10.56% for SMLF. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SMLF?
QQQ and SMLF have been equally volatile, both at 18.8% annualized. Worst drawdown: QQQ -35.1% vs SMLF -43.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SMLF?
QQQ and SMLF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SMLF?
QQQ yields 0.43% while SMLF yields 0.98%, so SMLF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SMLF better than QQQ?
SMLF has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, SMLF over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.