QQQ vs SPUC
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Simplify US Equity Income 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 | SPUC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.53% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $141M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 11.16% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +18.31% | +13.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.37% | +18.97% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.79% | +23.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.20% | +12.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 19.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -29.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 3, 2020 |
QQQ vs SPUC Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Simplify US Equity Income ETF (SPUC) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds. Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% while SPUC returned +18.97%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.31% versus a gain of 13.00% for SPUC.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.79% per year against +23.08% for SPUC; over five years the annualized figures are +15.20% and +12.72% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPUC has the edge at +16.21% annualized vs +13.10%. 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 19.5% for SPUC. 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 -29.2% for SPUC. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPUC charges 0.53%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $53 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 11.16% for SPUC.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPUC share 0 holdings out of 104 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 SPUC?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPUC charges 0.53%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPUC?
Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% vs +18.97% for SPUC, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), QQQ annualized +13.10% vs +16.21% for SPUC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPUC?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.5% for SPUC. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPUC -29.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPUC?
QQQ and SPUC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPUC?
QQQ and SPUC share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPUC?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SPUC yields 11.16%, so SPUC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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