QQQ vs SPTB
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street SPDR Portfolio Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
SPTB has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPTB offers more diversification with 287 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPTB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $297M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 4.22% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 287 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | -0.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +1.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 3.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -5.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Money Market | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 20, 2024 |
QQQ vs SPTB Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR Portfolio Treasury ETF (SPTB) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while SPTB returned +1.76%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a loss of 0.19% for SPTB.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 3.9% for SPTB. 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 -5.0% for SPTB. 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 0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPTB charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $3 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 4.22% for SPTB.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPTB share 0 holdings out of 131 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 SPTB?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPTB charges 0.03%. SPTB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPTB?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +1.76% for SPTB, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +3.40% for SPTB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPTB?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 3.9% for SPTB. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPTB -5.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPTB?
QQQ and SPTB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPTB?
QQQ and SPTB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 131 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPTB?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SPTB yields 4.22%, so SPTB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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