QQQ vs SMMV
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Minimum Volatility Factor ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SMMV offers more diversification with 369 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SMMV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.20% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $292M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.65% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 369 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +10.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +13.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +13.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +6.49% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -38.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 7, 2016 |
QQQ vs SMMV Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Minimum Volatility Factor ETF (SMMV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SMMV returned +13.16%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 10.75% for SMMV.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +13.83% for SMMV; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +6.49% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +7.99%. 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 13.7% for SMMV. 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 -38.8% for SMMV. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SMMV charges 0.20%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $20 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.65% for SMMV.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SMMV share 0 holdings out of 452 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 SMMV?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SMMV charges 0.20%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SMMV?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +13.16% for SMMV, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +7.99% for SMMV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SMMV?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.7% for SMMV. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SMMV -38.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SMMV?
QQQ and SMMV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SMMV?
QQQ and SMMV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 452 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SMMV?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SMMV yields 1.65%, so SMMV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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