QQQ vs SPDG
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P Sector Neutral Dividend ETF
Quick Verdict
SPDG has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPDG offers more diversification with 279 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPDG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $13M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.73% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 279 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +15.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +21.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +19.23% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 11.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -15.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 11, 2023 |
QQQ vs SPDG Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P Sector Neutral Dividend ETF (SPDG) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while SPDG returned +21.64%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 15.79% for SPDG.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +19.23% for SPDG. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPDG has the edge at +19.23% annualized vs +13.02%. 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 11.9% for SPDG. 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 -15.7% for SPDG. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPDG charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $5 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 2.73% for SPDG.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPDG share 19 holdings out of 359 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SPDG?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPDG charges 0.05%. SPDG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPDG?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +21.64% for SPDG, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +19.23% for SPDG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPDG?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 11.9% for SPDG. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPDG -15.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPDG?
QQQ and SPDG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPDG?
QQQ and SPDG share 19 common holdings with a 10.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 359 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPDG?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SPDG yields 2.73%, so SPDG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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