QQQJ vs SPY
Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. QQQJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQJ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.56% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 107 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +22.83% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.03% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.77% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.25% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 13, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QQQJ vs SPY Performance
Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF (QQQJ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQJ returned +36.03% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, QQQJ is up 22.83% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, QQQJ compounded at +22.77% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.25% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQJ has the edge at +10.47% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -39.6% for QQQJ 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQJ charges 0.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQJ currently yields 0.56% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QQQJ and SPY share 43 holdings out of 566 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQJ or SPY?
QQQJ has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQJ or SPY?
Over the past year QQQJ returned +36.03% vs +21.82% for SPY, so QQQJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), QQQJ annualized +10.47% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQJ or SPY?
QQQJ has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: QQQJ -39.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QQQJ and SPY?
QQQJ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQJ and SPY?
QQQJ and SPY share 43 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 566 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQJ or SPY?
QQQJ yields 0.56% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.