QQQ vs YCS
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares UltraShort Yen ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | YCS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $32M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 4 | |
| YTD Return | +19.68% | +7.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.75% | +25.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.25% | +16.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.39% | +23.74% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 19.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -49.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Nov 24, 2008 |
QQQ vs YCS Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares UltraShort Yen ETF (YCS) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% while YCS returned +25.23%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.68% versus a gain of 7.39% for YCS.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.25% per year against +16.20% for YCS; over five years the annualized figures are +15.39% and +23.74% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +6.45%. 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 19.4% for YCS. 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 -49.6% for YCS. 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 -0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while YCS charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $95 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.00% for YCS.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and YCS share 0 holdings out of 104 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 YCS?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while YCS charges 0.95%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or YCS?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% vs +25.23% for YCS, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), QQQ annualized +13.15% vs +6.45% for YCS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or YCS?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.4% for YCS. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs YCS -49.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and YCS?
QQQ and YCS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and YCS?
QQQ and YCS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or YCS?
QQQ yields 0.41% while YCS yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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