QQQ vs SPLB
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street SPDR Portfolio Long Term Corporate Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
SPLB has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPLB offers more diversification with 713 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPLB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $1.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 5.35% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 2,947 | |
| YTD Return | +17.85% | -2.77% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.45% | -0.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.07% | +3.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.16% | -3.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 10.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -35.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 10, 2009 |
QQQ vs SPLB Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR Portfolio Long Term Corporate Bond ETF (SPLB) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.45% while SPLB returned -0.56%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.85% versus a loss of 2.77% for SPLB.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.07% per year against +3.66% for SPLB; over five years the annualized figures are +15.16% and -3.27% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.09% annualized vs +1.63%. 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 10.8% for SPLB. 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 -35.2% for SPLB. 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPLB charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $4 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 5.35% for SPLB.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPLB share 0 holdings out of 816 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 SPLB?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPLB charges 0.04%. SPLB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPLB?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.45% vs -0.56% for SPLB, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), QQQ annualized +13.09% vs +1.63% for SPLB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPLB?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.8% for SPLB. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPLB -35.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPLB?
QQQ and SPLB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPLB?
QQQ and SPLB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 816 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPLB?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SPLB yields 5.35%, so SPLB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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