QQXT vs SPY
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQXT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $154M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +4.81% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.18% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.60% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.26% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 8, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QQXT vs SPY Performance
First Trust NASDAQ-100 Ex-Technology Sector Index Fund (QQXT) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQXT returned +7.18% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, QQXT is up 4.81% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, QQXT compounded at +7.60% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +4.26% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQXT has the edge at +9.05% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQXT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% 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 -57.5% for QQXT 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQXT charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQXT currently yields 1.22% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QQXT and SPY share 49 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQXT or SPY?
QQXT has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQXT or SPY?
Over the past year QQXT returned +7.18% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQXT annualized +9.05% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQXT or SPY?
QQXT has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: QQXT -57.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QQXT and SPY?
QQXT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 QQXT and SPY?
QQXT and SPY share 49 common holdings with a 11.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQXT or SPY?
QQXT yields 1.22% while SPY yields 1.01%, so QQXT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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