QQQS vs SPY
Invesco NASDAQ Future Gen 200 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. QQQS delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $23M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.65% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 205 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +32.70% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +61.62% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.60% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 13, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QQQS vs SPY Performance
Invesco NASDAQ Future Gen 200 ETF (QQQS) 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 QQQS returned +61.62% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, QQQS is up 32.70% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, QQQS compounded at +22.60% per year against +22.06% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, QQQS has the edge at +18.00% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.1% 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 -38.1% for QQQS 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQS charges 0.20% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $9 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQS currently yields 2.65% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QQQS and SPY share 3 holdings out of 703 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQS or SPY?
QQQS has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQS or SPY?
Over the past year QQQS returned +61.62% vs +21.53% for SPY, so QQQS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), QQQS annualized +18.00% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQS or SPY?
QQQS has been the more volatile fund at 27.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: QQQS -38.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QQQS and SPY?
QQQS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQS and SPY?
QQQS and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 703 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQS or SPY?
QQQS yields 2.65% while SPY yields 1.01%, so QQQS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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