QQQ vs SWAN
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Amplify BlackSwan Growth & Treasury Core 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 | SWAN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.49% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $162M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.25% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 14 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +4.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +11.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +13.41% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +1.92% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 11.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -31.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Amplify ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Nov 5, 2018 |
QQQ vs SWAN Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Amplify BlackSwan Growth & Treasury Core ETF (SWAN) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SWAN returned +11.03%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 4.50% for SWAN.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +13.41% for SWAN; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +1.92% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +5.96%. 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 11.8% for SWAN. 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 -31.0% for SWAN. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SWAN charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $49 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 3.25% for SWAN.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SWAN share 0 holdings out of 111 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 SWAN?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SWAN charges 0.49%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SWAN?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +11.03% for SWAN, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +5.96% for SWAN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SWAN?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 11.8% for SWAN. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SWAN -31.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SWAN?
QQQ and SWAN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SWAN?
QQQ and SWAN share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 111 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SWAN?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SWAN yields 3.25%, so SWAN 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.