QQQG vs SPY
Pacer Nasdaq 100 Top 50 Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. QQQG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $45M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.05% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +27.97% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.74% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 19, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QQQG vs SPY Performance
Pacer Nasdaq 100 Top 50 Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (QQQG) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQG returned +36.74% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, QQQG is up 27.97% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.4% 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 -23.6% for QQQG 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQG charges 0.49% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $9 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQG currently yields 0.05% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QQQG and SPY share 47 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQG or SPY?
QQQG has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQG or SPY?
Over the past year QQQG returned +36.74% vs +21.82% for SPY, so QQQG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQG annualized +22.61% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQG or SPY?
QQQG has been the more volatile fund at 22.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: QQQG -23.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QQQG and SPY?
QQQG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQG and SPY?
QQQG and SPY share 47 common holdings with a 17.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQG or SPY?
QQQG yields 0.05% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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