QQQ vs SMOG
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs VanEck Low Carbon Energy 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 | SMOG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.64% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $125M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.56% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 61 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +6.04% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +20.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +9.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | -1.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 28.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -84.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | VanEck | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 3, 2007 |
QQQ vs SMOG Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) is a ETF from VanEck. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SMOG returned +20.32%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 6.04% for SMOG.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +9.17% for SMOG; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and -1.63% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +1.69%. 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 28.5% for SMOG. 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 -84.4% for SMOG. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SMOG charges 0.64%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $64 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.56% for SMOG.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SMOG share 1 holdings out of 157 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in SMOG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSLA | 2.56% | 6.94% | 4.38% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SMOG?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SMOG charges 0.64%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SMOG?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +20.32% for SMOG, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +1.69% for SMOG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SMOG?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 28.5% for SMOG. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SMOG -84.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SMOG?
QQQ and SMOG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SMOG?
QQQ and SMOG share 1 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 157 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SMOG?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SMOG yields 1.56%, so SMOG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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