QQQ vs SPXE
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Energy ETF
Quick Verdict
SPXE has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPXE offers more diversification with 483 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPXE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $88M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.94% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 483 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +12.06% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -32.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 22, 2015 |
QQQ vs SPXE Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares S&P 500 Ex-Energy ETF (SPXE) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SPXE returned +20.92%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 12.06% for SPXE.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +22.10% for SPXE; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPXE has the edge at +14.56% annualized vs +13.03%. 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 15.3% for SPXE. 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 -32.3% for SPXE. 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPXE charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $9 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.94% for SPXE.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPXE share 85 holdings out of 499 unique holdings combined, representing a 55.4% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SPXE?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPXE charges 0.09%. SPXE is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPXE?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +20.92% for SPXE, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +14.56% for SPXE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPXE?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPXE. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPXE -32.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPXE?
QQQ and SPXE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPXE?
QQQ and SPXE share 85 common holdings with a 55.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 499 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPXE?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SPXE yields 0.94%, so SPXE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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