QQQ vs SUSA
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares ESG Optimized MSCI USA ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SUSA offers more diversification with 198 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SUSA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $4.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.85% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 198 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +13.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +22.72% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +10.80% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 15.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -54.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 24, 2005 |
QQQ vs SUSA Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares ESG Optimized MSCI USA ETF (SUSA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SUSA returned +22.72%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 13.63% for SUSA.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +20.86% for SUSA; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +10.80% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +9.27%. 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 15.2% for SUSA. 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 -54.9% for SUSA. 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 0.91. 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 SUSA charges 0.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $25 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.85% for SUSA.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SUSA share 51 holdings out of 246 unique holdings combined, representing a 46.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SUSA?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SUSA charges 0.25%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SUSA?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +22.72% for SUSA, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +9.27% for SUSA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SUSA?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.2% for SUSA. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SUSA -54.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SUSA?
QQQ and SUSA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 SUSA?
QQQ and SUSA share 51 common holdings with a 46.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 246 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SUSA?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SUSA yields 0.85%, so SUSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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