QQQ vs YXI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares Short FTSE China 50
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 | YXI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $5M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.71% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +15.47% | +12.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.44% | +10.72% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.47% | -12.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.22% | -5.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 22.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -81.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 16, 2010 |
QQQ vs YXI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares Short FTSE China 50 (YXI) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +24.44% while YXI returned +10.72%. Year to date, QQQ is up 15.47% versus a gain of 12.62% for YXI.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.47% per year against -12.65% for YXI; over five years the annualized figures are +14.22% and -5.12% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.99% annualized vs -8.25%. 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 22.7% for YXI. 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 -81.7% for YXI. 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 -0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while YXI 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 0.44% against 2.71% for YXI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or YXI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while YXI 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 YXI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +24.44% vs +10.72% for YXI, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), QQQ annualized +12.99% vs -8.25% for YXI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or YXI?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 22.7% for YXI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs YXI -81.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and YXI?
QQQ and YXI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or YXI?
QQQ yields 0.44% while YXI yields 2.71%, so YXI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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