QQQ vs XLC
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
XLC has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | XLC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $22.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.32% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 26 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | -4.15% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +2.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +20.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +6.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 19.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -46.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jun 18, 2018 |
QQQ vs XLC Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLC) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while XLC returned +2.80%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a loss of 4.15% for XLC.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +20.72% for XLC; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +6.98% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +11.05%. 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 19.0% for XLC. 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 -46.6% for XLC. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while XLC charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $8 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.32% for XLC.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and XLC share 8 holdings out of 118 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or XLC?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XLC charges 0.08%. XLC is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or XLC?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +2.80% for XLC, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +11.05% for XLC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XLC?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.0% for XLC. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XLC -46.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XLC?
QQQ and XLC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and XLC?
QQQ and XLC share 8 common holdings with a 12.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 118 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XLC?
QQQ yields 0.44% while XLC yields 1.32%, so XLC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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