QQQ vs SUSL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF
Quick Verdict
SUSL has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SUSL offers more diversification with 269 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SUSL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.10% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $1.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.95% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 269 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +24.61% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +22.61% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +13.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 17.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 7, 2019 |
QQQ vs SUSL Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF (SUSL) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SUSL returned +24.61%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 13.87% for SUSL.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +22.61% for SUSL; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +13.10% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SUSL has the edge at +16.54% annualized vs +13.03%. 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 17.0% for SUSL. 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 -34.3% for SUSL. 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 0.92. 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 SUSL charges 0.10%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $10 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.95% for SUSL.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SUSL share 43 holdings out of 318 unique holdings combined, representing a 40.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SUSL?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SUSL charges 0.10%. SUSL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SUSL?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +24.61% for SUSL, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +16.54% for SUSL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SUSL?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.0% for SUSL. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SUSL -34.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SUSL?
QQQ and SUSL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 SUSL?
QQQ and SUSL share 43 common holdings with a 40.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 318 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SUSL?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SUSL yields 0.95%, so SUSL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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