QQQ vs SPLV
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $7.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 2.14% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 110 | |
| YTD Return | +17.46% | +7.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.02% | +5.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.51% | +9.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | +5.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 11.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -36.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 5, 2011 |
QQQ vs SPLV Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% while SPLV returned +5.32%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.46% versus a gain of 7.62% for SPLV.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.51% per year against +9.00% for SPLV; over five years the annualized figures are +15.12% and +5.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +8.39%. 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 11.6% for SPLV. 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 -36.6% for SPLV. 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPLV charges 0.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $25 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 2.14% for SPLV.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPLV share 14 holdings out of 191 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SPLV?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPLV charges 0.25%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPLV?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% vs +5.32% for SPLV, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), QQQ annualized +13.08% vs +8.39% for SPLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPLV?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 11.6% for SPLV. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPLV -36.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPLV?
QQQ and SPLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPLV?
QQQ and SPLV share 14 common holdings with a 6.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 191 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPLV?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SPLV yields 2.14%, so SPLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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