QQQ vs SPTS
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street SPDR Portfolio Short Term Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
SPTS has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPTS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $6.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.88% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 100 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +1.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +2.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +4.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +1.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 2.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -8.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Nov 30, 2011 |
QQQ vs SPTS Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR Portfolio Short Term Treasury ETF (SPTS) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SPTS returned +2.94%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 1.14% for SPTS.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +4.33% for SPTS; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +1.89% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +0.79%. 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 2.6% for SPTS. 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 -8.9% for SPTS. 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 0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPTS 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 3.88% for SPTS.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPTS share 0 holdings out of 103 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 SPTS?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPTS charges 0.03%. SPTS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPTS?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +2.94% for SPTS, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +0.79% for SPTS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPTS?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 2.6% for SPTS. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPTS -8.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPTS?
QQQ and SPTS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPTS?
QQQ and SPTS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPTS?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SPTS yields 3.88%, so SPTS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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