Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQSTENWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%0.50%
AUM$455.8B$38M
Dividend Yield0.41%0.17%
Holdings1088
YTD Return+18.20%+10.77%
1Y Return+27.63%-
3Y Return (annualized)+25.54%-
5Y Return (annualized)+15.12%-
Volatility (annualized)30.6%-
Max Drawdown-83.0%-6.2%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)iShares by BlackRock (US)
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionMar 10, 1999Sep 30, 2025

QQQ vs STEN Performance

Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF (STEN) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Year to date, QQQ is up 18.20% versus a gain of 10.77% for STEN.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -83.0% for QQQ and -6.2% for STEN. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQQ charges 0.18% per year while STEN charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $50 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.17% for STEN.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

QQQ and STEN share 0 holdings out of 105 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 STEN?

QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while STEN charges 0.50%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.

What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and STEN?

QQQ and STEN share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 105 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or STEN?

QQQ yields 0.41% while STEN yields 0.17%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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