QQQ vs SPE
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Special Opportunities Fund Inc
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPE offers more diversification with 158 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 4.89% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $171M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 8.31% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 158 | |
| YTD Return | +19.68% | -2.43% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.75% | -3.97% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.25% | +15.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.39% | +7.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 13.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -58.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Special Opportunities Fund | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jun 8, 1993 |
QQQ vs SPE Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Special Opportunities Fund Inc (SPE) is a ETF from Special Opportunities Fund. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% while SPE returned -3.97%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.68% versus a loss of 2.43% for SPE.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.25% per year against +15.63% for SPE; over five years the annualized figures are +15.39% and +7.04% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +2.09%. 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 13.8% for SPE. 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 -58.5% for SPE. 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPE charges 4.89%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $489 annually, a gap of $471 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 8.31% for SPE.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPE share 0 holdings out of 207 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 SPE?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPE charges 4.89%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $471 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPE?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% vs -3.97% for SPE, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), QQQ annualized +13.15% vs +2.09% for SPE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPE?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.8% for SPE. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPE -58.5%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPE?
QQQ and SPE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPE?
QQQ and SPE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 207 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPE?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SPE yields 8.31%, so SPE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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