QQQ vs STCE
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Schwab Crypto Thematic Natural Language Processing 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 | STCE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.30% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $214M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.74% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 42 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +0.05% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +20.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +45.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 57.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -54.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Aug 4, 2022 |
QQQ vs STCE Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Schwab Crypto Thematic Natural Language Processing ETF (STCE) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while STCE returned +20.30%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 0.05% for STCE.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +45.93% for STCE. Across the full 4-year window we track, STCE has the edge at +27.34% annualized vs +13.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
STCE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 57.7% 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 -54.1% for STCE. 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while STCE charges 0.30%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $30 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.74% for STCE.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or STCE?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while STCE charges 0.30%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or STCE?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +20.30% for STCE, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +27.34% for STCE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or STCE?
STCE has been the more volatile fund at 57.7% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs STCE -54.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and STCE?
QQQ and STCE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and STCE?
QQQ and STCE share 2 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 136 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or STCE?
QQQ yields 0.44% while STCE yields 1.74%, so STCE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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