QQQ vs STAX
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Nomura Tax-Free USA Short Term 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 | STAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.29% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $12M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.17% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 93 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +1.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +2.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 1.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -1.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Nov 28, 2023 |
QQQ vs STAX Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Nomura Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF (STAX) is a ETF from Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while STAX returned +2.23%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 1.10% for STAX.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 1.7% for STAX. 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 -1.4% for STAX. 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while STAX charges 0.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $29 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 3.17% for STAX.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and STAX share 0 holdings out of 125 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 STAX?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while STAX charges 0.29%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or STAX?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +2.23% for STAX, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +3.32% for STAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or STAX?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 1.7% for STAX. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs STAX -1.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and STAX?
QQQ and STAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and STAX?
QQQ and STAX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 125 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or STAX?
QQQ yields 0.44% while STAX yields 3.17%, so STAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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