QQQ vs SPY
QQQ vs SPY · Last updated April 5, 2026
| Metric | QQQ | SPY | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $584.98 | $655.83 | — |
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.09% | SPY |
| Dividend Yield | N/A | N/A | — |
| AUM | $395.0B | $698.3B | SPY |
Performance Comparison
| Period | QQQ | SPY |
|---|---|---|
| 1M | -3.81% | -3.48% |
| 3M | -5.22% | -4.38% |
| 6M | -2.77% | -1.44% |
| YTD | -4.65% | -3.56% |
| 1Y | +39.07% | +31.28% |
| 3Y | N/A | N/A |
| 5Y | N/A | N/A |
Dividend Comparison
| Ex-Date | Ticker | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| March 23, 2026 | QQQ | $0.73 |
| March 20, 2026 | SPY | $1.80 |
| December 22, 2025 | QQQ | $0.79 |
| December 19, 2025 | SPY | $1.99 |
| September 22, 2025 | QQQ | $0.69 |
| September 19, 2025 | SPY | $1.83 |
| June 23, 2025 | QQQ | $0.59 |
| June 20, 2025 | SPY | $1.76 |
| March 24, 2025 | QQQ | $0.72 |
| March 21, 2025 | SPY | $1.70 |
| December 23, 2024 | QQQ | $0.84 |
| December 20, 2024 | SPY | $1.97 |
| September 23, 2024 | QQQ | $0.68 |
| September 20, 2024 | SPY | $1.75 |
| June 24, 2024 | QQQ | $0.76 |
| June 21, 2024 | SPY | $1.76 |
| March 18, 2024 | QQQ | $0.57 |
| March 15, 2024 | SPY | $1.60 |
| December 27, 2023 | QQQ | $0.22 |
| December 18, 2023 | QQQ | $0.81 |
Key Differences
When choosing between QQQ and SPY, several key metrics help distinguish these two ETFs. The following analysis covers the most relevant data points.
On the cost front, SPY (0.09% expense ratio) is more economical than QQQ (0.18%). For a $100,000 investment, the annual fee difference is $85.50. Over decades, this cost advantage compounds meaningfully.
In terms of fund size, SPY manages $698.3B compared to QQQ's $395.0B. This size advantage typically means SPY has better liquidity, making it easier to trade large positions without significant price impact.
The data above reflects the most recent available information. Market conditions change frequently, and investors should verify current figures before making decisions.
How to Compare QQQ and SPY
- If minimizing costs is a priority, compare the expense ratios: QQQ charges 0.18% and SPY charges 0.09%.
- For liquidity, larger funds with higher AUM typically have tighter bid-ask spreads and more efficient trading.
- Review historical performance across different time periods (1-month to 5-year) to understand how each has performed in various market conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is QQQ or SPY a better investment?
Whether QQQ or SPY is more suitable depends on your individual investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. QQQ and SPY differ in key metrics like expense ratio, dividend yield, and assets under management. This page provides objective data to help you compare the two.
What is the expense ratio difference between QQQ and SPY?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09%, while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 investment, this 0.09% difference costs approximately $8.55 per year.
Which fund is larger, QQQ or SPY?
SPY has $698.3B in assets under management, making it the larger fund. Larger funds tend to have better liquidity and tighter bid-ask spreads.
What are the risks of investing in QQQ vs SPY?
Both QQQ and SPY carry market risk — their values can decline during market downturns. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consider factors like volatility, sector concentration, and your own risk tolerance when evaluating either investment.
See how expense ratio differences affect your returns over time → Expense Ratio Calculator