QQQ vs XSLV
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Invesco S&P SmallCap Low Volatility ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. XSLV offers more diversification with 119 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | XSLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $250M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.06% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 119 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +15.04% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +16.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +11.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +4.06% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 16.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -45.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Feb 12, 2013 |
QQQ vs XSLV Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Invesco S&P SmallCap Low Volatility ETF (XSLV) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while XSLV returned +16.92%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 15.04% for XSLV.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +11.35% for XSLV; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +4.06% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +6.49%. 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 16.6% for XSLV. 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 -45.3% for XSLV. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while XSLV 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 2.06% for XSLV.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and XSLV share 0 holdings out of 217 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 XSLV?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XSLV 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 XSLV?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +16.92% for XSLV, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +6.49% for XSLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XSLV?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.6% for XSLV. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XSLV -45.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XSLV?
QQQ and XSLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and XSLV?
QQQ and XSLV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 217 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XSLV?
QQQ yields 0.44% while XSLV yields 2.06%, so XSLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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