QQQ vs STOX
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Horizon Core Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. STOX offers more diversification with 172 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | STOX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.70% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $217M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.17% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 172 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +12.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +20.97% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 12.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -9.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Horizon Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jun 25, 2025 |
QQQ vs STOX Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Horizon Core Equity ETF (STOX) is a ETF from Horizon Funds. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while STOX returned +20.97%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 12.36% for STOX.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 12.0% for STOX. 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 -9.3% for STOX. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while STOX charges 0.70%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $70 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.17% for STOX.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and STOX share 47 holdings out of 221 unique holdings combined, representing a 45.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or STOX?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while STOX charges 0.70%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or STOX?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +20.97% for STOX, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +22.48% for STOX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or STOX?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.0% for STOX. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs STOX -9.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and STOX?
QQQ and STOX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and STOX?
QQQ and STOX share 47 common holdings with a 45.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 221 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or STOX?
QQQ yields 0.44% while STOX yields 0.17%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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