QQQA vs SPY
ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dorsey Wright Momentum ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. QQQA delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $58M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.03% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 22 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +46.17% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +61.03% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.86% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.62% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 18, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QQQA vs SPY Performance
ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dorsey Wright Momentum ETF (QQQA) is a ETF from ProShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQA returned +61.03% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, QQQA is up 46.17% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, QQQA compounded at +28.86% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.62% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQA has the edge at +11.87% annualized vs +8.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.7% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -38.4% for QQQA and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQA charges 0.58% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $9 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQA currently yields 0.03% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QQQA and SPY share 19 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQA or SPY?
QQQA has an expense ratio of 0.58% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQA or SPY?
Over the past year QQQA returned +61.03% vs +21.71% for SPY, so QQQA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQA annualized +11.87% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQA or SPY?
QQQA has been the more volatile fund at 26.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: QQQA -38.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QQQA and SPY?
QQQA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQA and SPY?
QQQA and SPY share 19 common holdings with a 9.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQA or SPY?
QQQA yields 0.03% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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