QQQ vs SPDN
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 1X 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 | SPDN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.48% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $233M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.32% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +17.89% | -8.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.35% | -12.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.02% | -12.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.59% | -8.07% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -76.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jun 8, 2016 |
QQQ vs SPDN Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 1X ETF (SPDN) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.35% while SPDN returned -12.19%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.89% versus a loss of 8.89% for SPDN.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.02% per year against -12.98% for SPDN; over five years the annualized figures are +14.59% and -8.07% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.07% annualized vs -12.77%. 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 14.6% for SPDN. 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 -76.8% for SPDN. 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 -0.92. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPDN charges 0.48%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $48 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 3.32% for SPDN.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPDN share 0 holdings out of 105 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 SPDN?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPDN charges 0.48%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPDN?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.35% vs -12.19% for SPDN, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), QQQ annualized +13.07% vs -12.77% for SPDN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPDN?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.6% for SPDN. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPDN -76.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPDN?
QQQ and SPDN have a monthly-return correlation of -0.92, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPDN?
QQQ and SPDN share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 105 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPDN?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SPDN yields 3.32%, so SPDN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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