QQQY vs SPY
Defiance Nasdaq 100 Weekly Distribution ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. QQQY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $189M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 36.53% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +17.77% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.39% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.39% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QQQY vs SPY Performance
Defiance Nasdaq 100 Weekly Distribution ETF (QQQY) 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 QQQY returned +24.39% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, QQQY is up 17.77% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, QQQY compounded at +29.39% per year against +22.10% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, QQQY has the edge at +29.39% annualized vs +8.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% 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 -12.6% for QQQY 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQY charges 1.01% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $9 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQY currently yields 36.53% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QQQY 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, QQQY or SPY?
QQQY has an expense ratio of 1.01% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQY or SPY?
Over the past year QQQY returned +24.39% vs +21.71% for SPY, so QQQY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQY annualized +29.39% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQY or SPY?
QQQY has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: QQQY -12.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QQQY and SPY?
QQQY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQY and SPY?
QQQY and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQY or SPY?
QQQY yields 36.53% while SPY yields 1.01%, so QQQY 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.