QQQ vs SZK
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares UltraShort Consumer Staples
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 | SZK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $4M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.79% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | -18.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | -8.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | -9.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | -4.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 27.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -99.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 30, 2007 |
QQQ vs SZK Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares UltraShort Consumer Staples (SZK) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SZK returned -8.53%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a loss of 18.93% for SZK.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against -9.65% for SZK; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and -4.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs -20.73%. 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 27.5% for SZK. 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 -99.5% for SZK. 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 SZK charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $95 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 2.79% for SZK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SZK?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SZK charges 0.95%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SZK?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs -8.53% for SZK, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs -20.73% for SZK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SZK?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 27.5% for SZK. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SZK -99.5%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SZK?
QQQ and SZK have a monthly-return correlation of -0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SZK?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SZK yields 2.79%, so SZK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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