QQQ vs XDAT
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Franklin Exponential Data ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | XDAT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $4M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 62 | |
| YTD Return | +17.46% | +4.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.02% | +3.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.51% | +13.45% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | -0.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 24.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -54.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 12, 2021 |
QQQ vs XDAT Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Franklin Exponential Data ETF (XDAT) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% while XDAT returned +3.06%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.46% versus a gain of 4.75% for XDAT.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.51% per year against +13.45% for XDAT; over five years the annualized figures are +15.12% and -0.79% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +1.27%. 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 24.2% for XDAT. 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 -54.9% for XDAT. 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 XDAT charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $50 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.00% for XDAT.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and XDAT share 18 holdings out of 145 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or XDAT?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XDAT charges 0.50%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or XDAT?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% vs +3.06% for XDAT, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), QQQ annualized +13.08% vs +1.27% for XDAT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XDAT?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 24.2% for XDAT. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XDAT -54.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XDAT?
QQQ and XDAT 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 XDAT?
QQQ and XDAT share 18 common holdings with a 19.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 145 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XDAT?
QQQ yields 0.41% while XDAT yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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