QQQ vs SYLD
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. SYLD delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SYLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $1.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.75% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 100 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +21.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +28.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +13.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +9.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 19.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -45.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Cambria Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 13, 2013 |
QQQ vs SYLD Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD) is a ETF from Cambria Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while SYLD returned +28.50%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 21.64% for SYLD.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +13.09% for SYLD; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +9.24% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +12.52%. 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 19.8% for SYLD. 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 -45.4% for SYLD. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SYLD charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $59 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.75% for SYLD.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SYLD share 3 holdings out of 198 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SYLD?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SYLD charges 0.59%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SYLD?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +28.50% for SYLD, so SYLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +12.52% for SYLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SYLD?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.8% for SYLD. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SYLD -45.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SYLD?
QQQ and SYLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SYLD?
QQQ and SYLD share 3 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 198 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SYLD?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SYLD yields 1.75%, so SYLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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