QQQ vs SPDW
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF
Quick Verdict
SPDW has a lower expense ratio. SPDW delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPDW offers more diversification with 2,440 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPDW | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $42.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.02% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 2,440 | |
| YTD Return | +19.52% | +17.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.68% | +29.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.64% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | +9.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 17.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -62.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Apr 20, 2007 |
QQQ vs SPDW Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% while SPDW returned +29.36%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.52% versus a gain of 17.71% for SPDW.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.64% per year against +20.86% for SPDW; over five years the annualized figures are +15.36% and +9.98% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +3.21%. 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 17.6% for SPDW. 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 -62.2% for SPDW. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPDW charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $3 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 3.02% for SPDW.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPDW share 6 holdings out of 2442 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SPDW?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPDW charges 0.03%. SPDW is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPDW?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% vs +29.36% for SPDW, so SPDW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), QQQ annualized +13.14% vs +3.21% for SPDW. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPDW?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.6% for SPDW. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPDW -62.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPDW?
QQQ and SPDW have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPDW?
QQQ and SPDW share 6 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2442 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPDW?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SPDW yields 3.02%, so SPDW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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