QQQ vs XLBI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF
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 | XLBI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $8M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 14.94% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +16.30% | +12.43% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.83% | +14.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.48% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.50% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 11.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -10.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jul 29, 2025 |
QQQ vs XLBI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLBI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +24.83% while XLBI returned +14.52%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.30% versus a gain of 12.43% for XLBI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 11.6% for XLBI. 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 -10.6% for XLBI. 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 0.19. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while XLBI 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 14.94% for XLBI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and XLBI 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 XLBI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XLBI 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 XLBI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +24.83% vs +14.52% for XLBI, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +13.01% vs +16.80% for XLBI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XLBI?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 11.6% for XLBI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XLBI -10.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XLBI?
QQQ and XLBI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.19, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and XLBI?
QQQ and XLBI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XLBI?
QQQ yields 0.44% while XLBI yields 14.94%, so XLBI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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