QQQ vs UST
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares Ultra 7-10 Year Treasury
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 | UST | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $14M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.64% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | -4.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | -1.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +1.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | -8.15% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 12.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -48.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 19, 2010 |
QQQ vs UST Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares Ultra 7-10 Year Treasury (UST) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while UST returned -1.66%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a loss of 4.14% for UST.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +1.66% for UST; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and -8.15% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +1.59%. 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 12.6% for UST. 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 -48.1% for UST. 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 0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while UST 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 3.64% for UST.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and UST share 0 holdings out of 103 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 UST?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while UST 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 UST?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs -1.66% for UST, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +1.59% for UST. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or UST?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.6% for UST. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs UST -48.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and UST?
QQQ and UST have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and UST?
QQQ and UST share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or UST?
QQQ yields 0.44% while UST yields 3.64%, so UST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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