QQQ vs XLSI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs State Street Consumer Staples 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 | XLSI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $6M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 11.92% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 4 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +8.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +5.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 10.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -7.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jul 29, 2025 |
QQQ vs XLSI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLSI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while XLSI returned +5.52%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 8.25% for XLSI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 10.4% for XLSI. 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 -7.9% for XLSI. 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 0.00. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while XLSI 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 11.92% for XLSI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and XLSI 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 XLSI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XLSI 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 XLSI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +5.52% for XLSI, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +7.21% for XLSI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XLSI?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.4% for XLSI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XLSI -7.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XLSI?
QQQ and XLSI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.00, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and XLSI?
QQQ and XLSI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XLSI?
QQQ yields 0.44% while XLSI yields 11.92%, so XLSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.