QQQ vs XLE
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
XLE has a lower expense ratio. XLE delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | XLE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $40.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.55% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 24 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +41.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +51.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +16.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +26.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 25.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -76.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 16, 1998 |
QQQ vs XLE Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while XLE returned +51.94%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 41.33% for XLE.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +16.98% for XLE; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +26.28% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +7.12%. 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 25.1% for XLE. 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 -76.7% for XLE. 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while XLE 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 2.55% for XLE.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or XLE?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XLE charges 0.08%. XLE is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or XLE?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +51.94% for XLE, so XLE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +7.12% for XLE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XLE?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 25.1% for XLE. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XLE -76.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XLE?
QQQ and XLE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and XLE?
QQQ and XLE share 2 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 122 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XLE?
QQQ yields 0.44% while XLE yields 2.55%, so XLE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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