QQQ vs STK
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. STK delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | STK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 1.13% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $831M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 3.29% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 75 | |
| YTD Return | +19.68% | +46.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.75% | +79.77% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.25% | +33.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.39% | +20.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 23.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -42.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Nov 25, 2009 |
QQQ vs STK Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund (STK) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% while STK returned +79.77%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.68% versus a gain of 46.60% for STK.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.25% per year against +33.40% for STK; over five years the annualized figures are +15.39% and +20.68% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +9.42%. 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 23.0% for STK. 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 -42.8% for STK. 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while STK charges 1.13%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $113 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 3.29% for STK.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and STK share 19 holdings out of 143 unique holdings combined, representing a 29.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or STK?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while STK charges 1.13%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or STK?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% vs +79.77% for STK, so STK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), QQQ annualized +13.15% vs +9.42% for STK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or STK?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 23.0% for STK. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs STK -42.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and STK?
QQQ and STK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and STK?
QQQ and STK share 19 common holdings with a 29.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 143 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or STK?
QQQ yields 0.41% while STK yields 3.29%, so STK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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