QQQ vs SOLR
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Guinness Atkinson Sustainable Energy ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. SOLR delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SOLR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $5M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.59% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 30 | |
| YTD Return | +18.31% | +10.08% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.37% | +28.49% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.79% | +5.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.20% | +3.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 23.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -38.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | SmartETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Nov 11, 2020 |
QQQ vs SOLR Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Guinness Atkinson Sustainable Energy ETF (SOLR) is a ETF from SmartETFs. Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% while SOLR returned +28.49%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.31% versus a gain of 10.08% for SOLR.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.79% per year against +5.08% for SOLR; over five years the annualized figures are +15.20% and +3.10% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +7.45%. 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 23.0% for SOLR. 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 -38.0% for SOLR. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SOLR charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $79 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.59% for SOLR.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SOLR share 1 holdings out of 132 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in SOLR | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NXPI | 0.31% | 2.84% | 2.53% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SOLR?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SOLR charges 0.79%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SOLR?
Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% vs +28.49% for SOLR, so SOLR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), QQQ annualized +13.10% vs +7.45% for SOLR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SOLR?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 23.0% for SOLR. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SOLR -38.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SOLR?
QQQ and SOLR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SOLR?
QQQ and SOLR share 1 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 132 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SOLR?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SOLR yields 0.59%, so SOLR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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