QQQ vs SPTL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
SPTL has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPTL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $10.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 4.35% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 101 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | -2.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +0.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +0.95% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | -7.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 12.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -46.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 23, 2007 |
QQQ vs SPTL Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF (SPTL) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SPTL returned +0.08%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a loss of 2.70% for SPTL.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +0.95% for SPTL; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and -7.22% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +0.89%. 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 12.6% for SPTL. 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 -46.9% for SPTL. 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 -0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPTL 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 4.35% for SPTL.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPTL share 0 holdings out of 125 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 SPTL?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPTL charges 0.03%. SPTL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPTL?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +0.08% for SPTL, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +0.89% for SPTL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPTL?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.6% for SPTL. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPTL -46.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPTL?
QQQ and SPTL have a monthly-return correlation of -0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPTL?
QQQ and SPTL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 125 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPTL?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SPTL yields 4.35%, so SPTL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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