QTOP vs SPY
iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. QTOP delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QTOP | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $278M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.33% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.63% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.90% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 24, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QTOP vs SPY Performance
iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks ETF (QTOP) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QTOP returned +26.90% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, QTOP is up 19.63% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QTOP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.0% 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 -23.1% for QTOP 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QTOP 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, QTOP currently yields 0.33% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QTOP and SPY share 31 holdings out of 504 unique holdings combined, representing a 47.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QTOP or SPY?
QTOP 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, QTOP or SPY?
Over the past year QTOP returned +26.90% vs +21.96% for SPY, so QTOP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QTOP annualized +27.49% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QTOP or SPY?
QTOP has been the more volatile fund at 21.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: QTOP -23.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QTOP and SPY?
QTOP and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QTOP and SPY?
QTOP and SPY share 31 common holdings with a 47.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QTOP or SPY?
QTOP yields 0.33% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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