QQQ vs SWPPX
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund
Quick Verdict
SWPPX has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SWPPX offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SWPPX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.02% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $150.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 503 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +12.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +19.59% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | -33.71% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | -22.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 40.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -83.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 19, 1997 |
QQQ vs SWPPX Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX) is a mutual fund from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SWPPX returned +19.59%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 12.24% for SWPPX.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against -33.71% for SWPPX; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and -22.22% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs -22.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SWPPX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 40.5% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -83.7% for SWPPX. 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SWPPX charges 0.02%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $2 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.01% for SWPPX.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SWPPX share 84 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 50.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SWPPX?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SWPPX charges 0.02%. SWPPX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SWPPX?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +19.59% for SWPPX, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs -22.22% for SWPPX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SWPPX?
SWPPX has been the more volatile fund at 40.5% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SWPPX -83.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SWPPX?
QQQ and SWPPX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SWPPX?
QQQ and SWPPX share 84 common holdings with a 50.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SWPPX?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SWPPX yields 1.01%, so SWPPX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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