SPY vs TQQY
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs GraniteShares YieldBOOST QQQ ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | TQQY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 1.15% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $6M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 62.05% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +4.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +8.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 22.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -21.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | GraniteShares | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Feb 26, 2025 |
SPY vs TQQY Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and GraniteShares YieldBOOST QQQ ETF (TQQY) is a ETF from GraniteShares. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while TQQY returned +8.66%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 4.66% for TQQY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TQQY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.7% 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 -56.5% for SPY and -21.8% for TQQY. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TQQY charges 1.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $115 annually, a gap of $106 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 62.05% for TQQY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or TQQY?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TQQY charges 1.15%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $106 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TQQY?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +8.66% for TQQY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +8.50% for TQQY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TQQY?
TQQY has been the more volatile fund at 22.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TQQY -21.8%.
Should I hold both SPY and TQQY?
SPY and TQQY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TQQY?
SPY yields 1.01% while TQQY yields 62.05%, so TQQY 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.