QQQ vs XT
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. XT delivered stronger 1-year returns. XT offers more diversification with 196 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | XT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.46% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $3.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 6.88% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 226 | |
| YTD Return | +18.20% | +18.51% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.63% | +36.28% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.54% | +17.74% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | +7.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 17.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -34.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 19, 2015 |
QQQ vs XT Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF (XT) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% while XT returned +36.28%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.20% versus a gain of 18.51% for XT.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.54% per year against +17.74% for XT; over five years the annualized figures are +15.12% and +7.10% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +11.86%. 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 17.4% for XT. 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 -34.4% for XT. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while XT charges 0.46%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $46 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 6.88% for XT.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and XT share 32 holdings out of 267 unique holdings combined, representing a 31.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or XT?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while XT charges 0.46%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or XT?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% vs +36.28% for XT, so XT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QQQ annualized +13.11% vs +11.86% for XT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XT?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.4% for XT. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs XT -34.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and XT?
QQQ and XT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and XT?
QQQ and XT share 32 common holdings with a 31.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 267 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or XT?
QQQ yields 0.41% while XT yields 6.88%, so XT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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