QQQ vs STEW
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs SRH Total Return Fund
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | STEW | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 2.28% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $2.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 3.12% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 24 | |
| YTD Return | +18.31% | +5.37% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.37% | +9.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.79% | +15.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.20% | +9.99% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 18.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -78.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Paralel Advisors LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 31, 2002 |
QQQ vs STEW Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and SRH Total Return Fund (STEW) is a ETF from Paralel Advisors LLC. Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% while STEW returned +9.58%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.31% versus a gain of 5.37% for STEW.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.79% per year against +15.65% for STEW; over five years the annualized figures are +15.20% and +9.99% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +3.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 18.3% for STEW. 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 -78.2% for STEW. 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while STEW charges 2.28%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $228 annually, a gap of $210 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 3.12% for STEW.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and STEW share 4 holdings out of 122 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or STEW?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while STEW charges 2.28%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $210 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or STEW?
Over the past year QQQ returned +25.37% vs +9.58% for STEW, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), QQQ annualized +13.10% vs +3.84% for STEW. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or STEW?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.3% for STEW. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs STEW -78.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and STEW?
QQQ and STEW have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and STEW?
QQQ and STEW share 4 common holdings with a 7.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 122 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or STEW?
QQQ yields 0.41% while STEW yields 3.12%, so STEW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.