QQQ vs SPEU
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF
Quick Verdict
SPEU has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPEU offers more diversification with 1,737 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPEU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $743M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.37% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 1,737 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +11.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +20.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +18.99% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +9.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 18.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -64.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Oct 15, 2002 |
QQQ vs SPEU Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF (SPEU) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SPEU returned +20.51%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 11.20% for SPEU.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +18.99% for SPEU; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +9.25% respectively. Across the full 24-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +4.13%. 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 18.1% for SPEU. 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 -64.5% for SPEU. 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPEU charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $7 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 3.37% for SPEU.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPEU share 3 holdings out of 1764 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SPEU?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPEU charges 0.07%. SPEU is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPEU?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +20.51% for SPEU, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (24 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +4.13% for SPEU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPEU?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.1% for SPEU. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPEU -64.5%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPEU?
QQQ and SPEU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPEU?
QQQ and SPEU share 3 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1764 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPEU?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SPEU yields 3.37%, so SPEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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