QQQ vs SPXL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. SPXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPXL offers more diversification with 515 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPXL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.84% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $7.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.53% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 515 | |
| YTD Return | +15.47% | +28.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.44% | +49.55% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.47% | +50.26% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.22% | +19.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 46.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -76.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Nov 5, 2008 |
QQQ vs SPXL Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year QQQ returned +24.44% while SPXL returned +49.55%. Year to date, QQQ is up 15.47% versus a gain of 28.72% for SPXL.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.47% per year against +50.26% for SPXL; over five years the annualized figures are +14.22% and +19.44% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, SPXL has the edge at +28.61% annualized vs +12.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 46.0% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -76.9% for SPXL. 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 0.90. 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 SPXL charges 0.84%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $84 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.53% for SPXL.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPXL share 87 holdings out of 521 unique holdings combined, representing a 40.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SPXL?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPXL charges 0.84%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SPXL?
Over the past year QQQ returned +24.44% vs +49.55% for SPXL, so SPXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), QQQ annualized +12.99% vs +28.61% for SPXL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPXL?
SPXL has been the more volatile fund at 46.0% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPXL -76.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPXL?
QQQ and SPXL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 SPXL?
QQQ and SPXL share 87 common holdings with a 40.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 521 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPXL?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SPXL yields 0.53%, so SPXL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.