QQQT vs SPY
Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. QQQT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.20% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $50M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 20.93% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.76% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.39% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 18, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QQQT vs SPY Performance
Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF (QQQT) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQQT returned +23.39% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, QQQT is up 15.76% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -22.5% for QQQT 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQT charges 1.20% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $120 vs $9 annually, a gap of $111 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQT currently yields 20.93% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QQQT and SPY share 0 holdings out of 505 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQT or SPY?
QQQT has an expense ratio of 1.20% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $111 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQT or SPY?
Over the past year QQQT returned +23.39% vs +21.82% for SPY, so QQQT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQT annualized +17.87% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQT or SPY?
QQQT has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: QQQT -22.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QQQT and SPY?
QQQT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQT and SPY?
QQQT and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQT or SPY?
QQQT yields 20.93% while SPY yields 1.01%, so QQQT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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