QQQ vs SVOL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Simplify Volatility Premium ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SVOL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.66% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $532M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 22.35% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 38 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +6.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +19.47% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +7.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +7.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 13.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -33.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 12, 2021 |
QQQ vs SVOL Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Simplify Volatility Premium ETF (SVOL) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SVOL returned +19.47%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 6.71% for SVOL.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +7.80% for SVOL; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +7.52% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +8.75%. 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 13.5% for SVOL. 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 -33.5% for SVOL. 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 SVOL charges 0.66%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $66 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 22.35% for SVOL.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SVOL share 0 holdings out of 110 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 SVOL?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SVOL charges 0.66%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SVOL?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +19.47% for SVOL, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +8.75% for SVOL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SVOL?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.5% for SVOL. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SVOL -33.5%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SVOL?
QQQ and SVOL 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 SVOL?
QQQ and SVOL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 110 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SVOL?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SVOL yields 22.35%, so SVOL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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