QQQ vs XHS
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street SPDR S&P Health Care Services ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. XHS delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | XHS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $210M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.20% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 62 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +27.37% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +40.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +15.82% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +5.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 19.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -39.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 28, 2011 |
QQQ vs XHS Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Health Care Services ETF (XHS) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while XHS returned +40.94%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 27.37% for XHS.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +15.82% for XHS; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +5.03% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +12.25%. 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 19.5% for XHS. 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 -39.4% for XHS. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while XHS charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $35 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.20% for XHS.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and XHS share 0 holdings out of 163 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 XHS?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XHS charges 0.35%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or XHS?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +40.94% for XHS, so XHS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +12.25% for XHS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XHS?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.5% for XHS. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XHS -39.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XHS?
QQQ and XHS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and XHS?
QQQ and XHS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 163 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XHS?
QQQ yields 0.44% while XHS yields 0.20%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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