SPY vs QQQ ETF Comparison
For SPY vs QQQ, start with the period rather than a blanket verdict. Through 2026-08-14, SPY returned 21.70% over 1 year and QQQ returned 26.68%; their daily return correlation was 0.931.
Data through 2026-08-14 from Financial Modeling Prep. Historical results are not a forecast.
Direct comparison
What differs in the current snapshot
Each statement below is rendered from the committed data facts used by the tables.
On the 1-year window, SPY returned 21.70% and QQQ returned 26.68%.
Annualized volatility was 12.82% for SPY and 19.54% for QQQ.
Maximum drawdown over the available 5-year window was -24.50% for SPY and -35.12% for QQQ.
The 1-year daily return correlation was 0.931, based on 252 common return observations.
The reported expense ratios were 0.09% for SPY and 0.18% for QQQ.
Performance
Normalized price performance
Both series start at 100 on their first common observation. The table gives exact period returns.
| Metric | SPY | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| 1M | 3.26% | 1.58% |
| 3M | 4.03% | 1.68% |
| YTD | 14.45% | 19.29% |
| 1Y | 21.70% | 26.68% |
| 5Y | 86.27% | 104.25% |
Risk
Volatility, beta and drawdown
Daily return correlation is 0.931 from 252 common observations.
| Metric | SPY | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Annualized volatility | 12.82% | 19.54% |
| Beta vs SPY | 1.00 | 1.42 |
| Maximum drawdown | -24.50% | -35.12% |
ETF details
Fees, yield and holdings overlap
ETF fields retain their source status. A missing provider field stays unavailable.
| Metric | SPY | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense ratio | 0.09% | 0.18% |
| Dividend yield | unavailableUnavailable | unavailableUnavailable |
Weighted holdings overlap was 52.64% across 88 shared holdings, dated 2026-07-30T03:10:20.053Z.
Open the holdings overlap analysisMethod
How to read this comparison
The comparison uses historical data through 2026-08-14. It does not predict future returns.
The source dataset contains 1255 common price observations. The chart may sample points for display. Missing or stale fields stay labeled instead of being estimated.
Methodology version 1.0.0. Returns use adjusted prices for stocks and ETFs. Correlation uses simple daily returns on common dates. Volatility uses 252 annualization days for SPY and 252 for QQQ.
Source: Financial Modeling Prep. This information is educational and is not investment advice.
FAQ
SPY and QQQ questions
Answers use the same committed snapshot shown above.
How have SPY and QQQ performed?
SPY returned 3.26% over 1 month, 21.70% over 1 year and 86.27% over 5 years. QQQ returned 1.58%, 26.68% and 104.25% for the same periods.
How closely do SPY and QQQ move together?
Their 1-year daily return correlation was 0.931 from 252 common observations. Correlation describes past co-movement and can change.
Should I choose SPY or QQQ?
This page does not make a personal recommendation. Compare the return windows with volatility of 12.82% for SPY and 19.54% for QQQ, then consider your own goals and constraints.
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