QQQ vs URNM
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Sprott Uranium Miners ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. URNM delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | URNM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $2.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.58% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 27 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | -3.74% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +33.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +19.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +19.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 46.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -50.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Sprott ETFS | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 3, 2019 |
QQQ vs URNM Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Sprott Uranium Miners ETF (URNM) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while URNM returned +33.39%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a loss of 3.74% for URNM.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +19.80% for URNM; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +19.96% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, URNM has the edge at +29.08% annualized vs +13.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
URNM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 46.3% 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 -50.8% for URNM. 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while URNM charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $75 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 3.58% for URNM.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and URNM share 0 holdings out of 127 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 URNM?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while URNM charges 0.75%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or URNM?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +33.39% for URNM, so URNM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +29.08% for URNM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or URNM?
URNM has been the more volatile fund at 46.3% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs URNM -50.8%.
Should I hold both QQQ and URNM?
QQQ and URNM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and URNM?
QQQ and URNM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 127 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or URNM?
QQQ yields 0.44% while URNM yields 3.58%, so URNM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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