QQQ vs XRLV
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Invesco S&P 500 ex-Rate Sensitive Low Volatility 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 | XRLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $29M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.08% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 102 | |
| YTD Return | +16.19% | +6.61% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.22% | +5.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.47% | +8.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.34% | +8.58% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 13.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -38.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Apr 6, 2015 |
QQQ vs XRLV Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Invesco S&P 500 ex-Rate Sensitive Low Volatility ETF (XRLV) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +25.22% while XRLV returned +5.58%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.19% versus a gain of 6.61% for XRLV.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.47% per year against +8.59% for XRLV; over five years the annualized figures are +14.34% and +8.58% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.01% annualized vs +9.89%. 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 13.5% for XRLV. 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 -38.3% for XRLV. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while XRLV charges 0.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $25 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 2.08% for XRLV.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and XRLV share 12 holdings out of 190 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or XRLV?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XRLV charges 0.25%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or XRLV?
Over the past year QQQ returned +25.22% vs +5.58% for XRLV, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QQQ annualized +13.01% vs +9.89% for XRLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XRLV?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.5% for XRLV. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XRLV -38.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XRLV?
QQQ and XRLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and XRLV?
QQQ and XRLV share 12 common holdings with a 5.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 190 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XRLV?
QQQ yields 0.44% while XRLV yields 2.08%, so XRLV 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.