QQQ vs YSPY
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs GraniteShares YieldBOOST SPY 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 | YSPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 1.15% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $11M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 55.95% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +17.46% | +4.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.02% | +16.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.51% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 18.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -15.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | GraniteShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Feb 26, 2025 |
QQQ vs YSPY Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and GraniteShares YieldBOOST SPY ETF (YSPY) is a ETF from GraniteShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% while YSPY returned +16.99%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.46% versus a gain of 4.18% for YSPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 18.5% for YSPY. 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 -15.1% for YSPY. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while YSPY charges 1.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $115 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 55.95% for YSPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or YSPY?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while YSPY charges 1.15%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or YSPY?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.02% vs +16.99% for YSPY, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.08% vs +19.36% for YSPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or YSPY?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.5% for YSPY. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs YSPY -15.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and YSPY?
QQQ and YSPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or YSPY?
QQQ yields 0.41% while YSPY yields 55.95%, so YSPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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