QQWZ vs SPY
Pacer Cash COWZ 100-Nasdaq 100 Rotator ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. QQWZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQWZ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $41M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.59% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 105 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.70% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.15% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 6, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QQWZ vs SPY Performance
Pacer Cash COWZ 100-Nasdaq 100 Rotator ETF (QQWZ) 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 QQWZ returned +22.15% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, QQWZ is up 14.70% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.1% for QQWZ. 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 -11.3% for QQWZ 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQWZ 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, QQWZ currently yields 0.59% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QQWZ and SPY share 87 holdings out of 520 unique holdings combined, representing a 53.3% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQWZ or SPY?
QQWZ 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, QQWZ or SPY?
Over the past year QQWZ returned +22.15% vs +21.71% for SPY, so QQWZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQWZ annualized +35.18% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQWZ or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for QQWZ. Worst drawdown: QQWZ -11.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QQWZ and SPY?
QQWZ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQWZ and SPY?
QQWZ and SPY share 87 common holdings with a 53.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 520 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQWZ or SPY?
QQWZ yields 0.59% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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