QQQ vs SVAL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. SVAL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SVAL offers more diversification with 262 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SVAL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.20% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $211M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.05% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 262 | |
| YTD Return | +17.07% | +27.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.39% | +36.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.08% | +18.95% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.18% | +10.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 22.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -27.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Oct 27, 2020 |
QQQ vs SVAL Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF (SVAL) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.39% while SVAL returned +36.67%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.07% versus a gain of 27.16% for SVAL.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.08% per year against +18.95% for SVAL; over five years the annualized figures are +15.18% and +10.65% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SVAL has the edge at +17.44% annualized vs +13.05%. 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 22.0% for SVAL. 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 -27.4% for SVAL. 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SVAL 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 2.05% for SVAL.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SVAL share 0 holdings out of 345 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 SVAL?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SVAL 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 SVAL?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.39% vs +36.67% for SVAL, so SVAL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), QQQ annualized +13.05% vs +17.44% for SVAL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SVAL?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 22.0% for SVAL. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SVAL -27.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SVAL?
QQQ and SVAL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SVAL?
QQQ and SVAL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 345 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SVAL?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SVAL yields 2.05%, so SVAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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