QQQ vs SRTY
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares UltraPro Short Russell2000
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 | SRTY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $80M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 8.93% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 14 | |
| YTD Return | +19.68% | -48.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.75% | -60.34% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.25% | -46.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.39% | -33.97% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 53.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -100.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Feb 9, 2010 |
QQQ vs SRTY Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares UltraPro Short Russell2000 (SRTY) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% while SRTY returned -60.34%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.68% versus a loss of 48.48% for SRTY.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.25% per year against -46.10% for SRTY; over five years the annualized figures are +15.39% and -33.97% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs -45.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SRTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 53.6% 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 -100.0% for SRTY. 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 -0.76. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SRTY charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $95 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 8.93% for SRTY.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SRTY 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 SRTY?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SRTY charges 0.95%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SRTY?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% vs -60.34% for SRTY, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), QQQ annualized +13.15% vs -45.88% for SRTY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SRTY?
SRTY has been the more volatile fund at 53.6% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SRTY -100.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SRTY?
QQQ and SRTY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SRTY?
QQQ and SRTY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SRTY?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SRTY yields 8.93%, so SRTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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