QQQ vs SOXY
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs YieldMax Target 12 Semiconductor Option Income ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. SOXY delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SOXY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 1.06% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $69M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 9.45% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +55.59% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +96.09% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 40.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -30.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | YieldMax ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 2, 2024 |
QQQ vs SOXY Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and YieldMax Target 12 Semiconductor Option Income ETF (SOXY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SOXY returned +96.09%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 55.59% for SOXY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOXY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 40.5% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -30.2% for SOXY. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SOXY charges 1.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $106 annually, a gap of $88 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 9.45% for SOXY.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SOXY share 20 holdings out of 111 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SOXY?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SOXY charges 1.06%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $88 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SOXY?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +96.09% for SOXY, so SOXY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +57.77% for SOXY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SOXY?
SOXY has been the more volatile fund at 40.5% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SOXY -30.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SOXY?
QQQ and SOXY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SOXY?
QQQ and SOXY share 20 common holdings with a 30.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 111 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SOXY?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SOXY yields 9.45%, so SOXY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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