QQQ vs SPYC
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Simplify US Equity PLUS Convexity ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPYC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.53% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $120M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.89% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 24 | |
| YTD Return | +19.52% | +12.09% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.68% | +14.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.64% | +19.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | +9.53% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 16.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -28.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 3, 2020 |
QQQ vs SPYC Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Simplify US Equity PLUS Convexity ETF (SPYC) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% while SPYC returned +14.96%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.52% versus a gain of 12.09% for SPYC.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.64% per year against +19.33% for SPYC; over five years the annualized figures are +15.36% and +9.53% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +12.94%. 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 16.6% for SPYC. 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 -28.5% for SPYC. 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPYC 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 0.44% against 0.89% for SPYC.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPYC 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 SPYC?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPYC 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 SPYC?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% vs +14.96% for SPYC, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), QQQ annualized +13.14% vs +12.94% for SPYC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPYC?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.6% for SPYC. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPYC -28.5%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPYC?
QQQ and SPYC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPYC?
QQQ and SPYC share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPYC?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SPYC yields 0.89%, so SPYC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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