QQQ vs SPCL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Defiance Daily 2X Space 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 | SPCL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 1.31% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $22M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 14 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | -14.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | -14.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 5914283.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -100.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Defiance ETFs, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Apr 7, 2026 |
QQQ vs SPCL Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Defiance Daily 2X Space ETF (SPCL) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while SPCL returned -14.83%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a loss of 14.83% for SPCL.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPCL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5914283.2% 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 -100.0% for SPCL. 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPCL charges 1.31%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $131 annually, a gap of $113 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.00% for SPCL.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPCL share 0 holdings out of 103 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 SPCL?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPCL charges 1.31%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $113 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPCL?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs -14.83% for SPCL, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +34.28% for SPCL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPCL?
SPCL has been the more volatile fund at 5914283.2% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPCL -100.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPCL?
QQQ and SPCL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPCL?
QQQ and SPCL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPCL?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SPCL yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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