QQQ vs UXI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares Ultra Industrials
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. UXI delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | UXI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $33M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.51% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 87 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +24.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +34.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +33.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +12.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 38.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -89.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 30, 2007 |
QQQ vs UXI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares Ultra Industrials (UXI) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while UXI returned +34.48%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 24.31% for UXI.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +33.66% for UXI; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +12.38% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +12.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UXI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 38.9% 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 -89.7% for UXI. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while UXI 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 0.51% for UXI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and UXI share 11 holdings out of 172 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or UXI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while UXI 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 UXI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +34.48% for UXI, so UXI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +12.47% for UXI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or UXI?
UXI has been the more volatile fund at 38.9% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs UXI -89.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and UXI?
QQQ and UXI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and UXI?
QQQ and UXI share 11 common holdings with a 3.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 172 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or UXI?
QQQ yields 0.44% while UXI yields 0.51%, so UXI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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