QQQ vs STXE
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. STXE delivered stronger 1-year returns. STXE offers more diversification with 192 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | STXE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.32% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $138M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 1.87% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 222 | |
| YTD Return | +19.68% | +35.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.75% | +59.00% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.25% | +27.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.39% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 19.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -20.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Strive Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 31, 2023 |
QQQ vs STXE Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE) is a ETF from Strive Asset Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% while STXE returned +59.00%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.68% versus a gain of 35.39% for STXE.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.25% per year against +27.29% for STXE. Across the full 4-year window we track, STXE has the edge at +23.92% annualized vs +13.15%. 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 19.3% for STXE. 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 -20.4% for STXE. 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while STXE charges 0.32%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $32 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 1.87% for STXE.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and STXE share 0 holdings out of 295 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 STXE?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while STXE charges 0.32%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or STXE?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% vs +59.00% for STXE, so STXE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), QQQ annualized +13.15% vs +23.92% for STXE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or STXE?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.3% for STXE. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs STXE -20.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and STXE?
QQQ and STXE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and STXE?
QQQ and STXE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 295 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or STXE?
QQQ yields 0.41% while STXE yields 1.87%, so STXE 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.