QQQ vs SSG
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares UltraShort Semiconductors
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 | SSG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $37M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 8.89% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 11 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | -57.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | -71.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | -72.90% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | -66.07% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 97.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -100.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 30, 2007 |
QQQ vs SSG Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares UltraShort Semiconductors (SSG) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while SSG returned -71.16%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a loss of 57.10% for SSG.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against -72.90% for SSG; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and -66.07% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs -45.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SSG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 97.8% 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 SSG. 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 -0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SSG 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 0.44% against 8.89% for SSG.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SSG 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 SSG?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SSG 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 SSG?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs -71.16% for SSG, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs -45.72% for SSG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SSG?
SSG has been the more volatile fund at 97.8% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SSG -100.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SSG?
QQQ and SSG have a monthly-return correlation of -0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SSG?
QQQ and SSG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SSG?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SSG yields 8.89%, so SSG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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