QQQ vs SPSB
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street SPDR Portfolio Short Term Corporate Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
SPSB has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPSB offers more diversification with 460 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPSB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $10.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 4.39% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 1,553 | |
| YTD Return | +19.68% | +1.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.75% | +3.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.25% | +5.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.39% | +2.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 1.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -11.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 16, 2009 |
QQQ vs SPSB Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR Portfolio Short Term Corporate Bond ETF (SPSB) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% while SPSB returned +3.15%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.68% versus a gain of 1.20% for SPSB.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.25% per year against +5.30% for SPSB; over five years the annualized figures are +15.39% and +2.78% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +1.03%. 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 1.8% for SPSB. 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 -11.8% for SPSB. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPSB 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 4.39% for SPSB.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPSB share 0 holdings out of 563 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 SPSB?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPSB charges 0.04%. SPSB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPSB?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% vs +3.15% for SPSB, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), QQQ annualized +13.15% vs +1.03% for SPSB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPSB?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 1.8% for SPSB. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPSB -11.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPSB?
QQQ and SPSB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPSB?
QQQ and SPSB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 563 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPSB?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SPSB yields 4.39%, so SPSB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.