QQQ vs USPX
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Franklin US Equity Index ETF
Quick Verdict
USPX has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. USPX offers more diversification with 487 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | USPX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $2.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 487 | |
| YTD Return | +19.52% | +13.99% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.68% | +21.47% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.64% | +22.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.36% | +12.31% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -31.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jun 1, 2016 |
QQQ vs USPX Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Franklin US Equity Index ETF (USPX) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% while USPX returned +21.47%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.52% versus a gain of 13.99% for USPX.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.64% per year against +22.20% for USPX; over five years the annualized figures are +15.36% and +12.31% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +11.04%. 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 14.1% for USPX. 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 -31.2% for USPX. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while USPX charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $3 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.09% for USPX.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and USPX share 91 holdings out of 485 unique holdings combined, representing a 53.9% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or USPX?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while USPX charges 0.03%. USPX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or USPX?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.68% vs +21.47% for USPX, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), QQQ annualized +13.14% vs +11.04% for USPX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or USPX?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.1% for USPX. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs USPX -31.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and USPX?
QQQ and USPX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and USPX?
QQQ and USPX share 91 common holdings with a 53.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 485 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or USPX?
QQQ yields 0.44% while USPX yields 1.09%, so USPX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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