QQQ vs STRN
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs SMART Trend 25 ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. STRN delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | STRN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $28M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.16% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 26 | |
| YTD Return | +19.52% | +22.81% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.68% | +37.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.64% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 28.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -15.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | SMART Wealth, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Aug 20, 2025 |
QQQ vs STRN Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and SMART Trend 25 ETF (STRN) is a ETF from SMART Wealth, LLC. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% while STRN returned +37.23%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.52% versus a gain of 22.81% for STRN.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 28.2% for STRN. 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 -15.4% for STRN. 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while STRN charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $59 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.16% for STRN.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and STRN share 14 holdings out of 113 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or STRN?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while STRN charges 0.59%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or STRN?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% vs +37.23% for STRN, so STRN leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or STRN?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 28.2% for STRN. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs STRN -15.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and STRN?
QQQ and STRN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and STRN?
QQQ and STRN share 14 common holdings with a 20.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 113 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or STRN?
QQQ yields 0.44% while STRN yields 0.16%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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