QQQ vs STPZ
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs PIMCO 1-5 Year US TIPS Index Exchange-Traded Fund
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 | STPZ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.20% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $525M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 4.76% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 24 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +1.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +2.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +5.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +2.74% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 2.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -8.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | PIMCO (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Aug 20, 2009 |
QQQ vs STPZ Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and PIMCO 1-5 Year US TIPS Index Exchange-Traded Fund (STPZ) is a ETF from PIMCO (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while STPZ returned +2.67%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 1.85% for STPZ.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +5.15% for STPZ; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +2.74% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +1.50%. 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 2.6% for STPZ. 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 -8.9% for STPZ. 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while STPZ charges 0.20%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $20 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 4.76% for STPZ.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and STPZ share 0 holdings out of 122 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 STPZ?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while STPZ charges 0.20%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or STPZ?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +2.67% for STPZ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +1.50% for STPZ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or STPZ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 2.6% for STPZ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs STPZ -8.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and STPZ?
QQQ and STPZ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and STPZ?
QQQ and STPZ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 122 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or STPZ?
QQQ yields 0.44% while STPZ yields 4.76%, so STPZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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