LSTR vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

LSTR (Landstar System, Inc.) is a stock, while QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) is Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Over the past 10 years, LSTR returned 13.96%/yr vs 22.07%/yr for QQQ. At a 0.41 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

LSTR vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Landstar System, Inc. (LSTR) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LSTR achieves a 47.08% return, which is significantly higher than QQQ's 16.45% return. Over the past 10 years, LSTR has underperformed QQQ with an annualized return of 13.96%, while QQQ has yielded a comparatively higher 22.07% annualized return.

LSTR

• 1D: -0.73%
• 1M: 6.95%
• YTD: 47.08%
• 6M: 45.89%
• 1Y: 52.01%
• 3Y*: 5.92%
• 5Y*: 7.64%
• 10Y*: 13.96%

QQQ

• 1D: -3.29%
• 1M: -0.43%
• YTD: 16.45%
• 6M: 14.99%
• 1Y: 34.88%
• 3Y*: 26.05%
• 5Y*: 16.01%
• 10Y*: 22.07%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

LSTR vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LSTR Landstar System, Inc.	47.08%	-14.42%	-9.66%	21.17%	-7.32%	35.59%	21.19%	19.77%	-6.24%	22.57%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	16.45%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	27.42%	48.62%	38.96%	-0.13%	32.66%

Correlation

The correlation between LSTR and QQQ is 0.18, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.18
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.38
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 10, 1999	0.41

Over the past year, the correlation between LSTR and QQQ has dropped to 0.18 - well below their long-term average of 0.41, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

LSTR vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

LSTR

LSTR Risk / Return Rank: 80
LSTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
LSTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
LSTR Omega Ratio Rank: 79
LSTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
LSTR Martin Ratio Rank: 81

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 59
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 58
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 62

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

LSTR vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Landstar System, Inc. (LSTR) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	LSTR	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	1.95	-0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.98	2.57	-0.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.35	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.00	2.93	+0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.40	10.86	-4.46

LSTR vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LSTR Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is comparable to the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LSTR and QQQ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

LSTR vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LSTR drawdown since its inception was -53.20%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LSTR and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	LSTR	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.20%	-82.97%	+29.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.40%	-11.96%	-5.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-38.75%	-22.77%	-15.98%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.75%	-35.12%	-3.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.75%	-35.12%	-3.63%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.93%	-4.25%	-3.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.93%	-32.73%	+18.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.15%	3.22%	+4.93%

Volatility

LSTR vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

Landstar System, Inc. (LSTR) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) have volatilities of 9.29% and 9.17%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LSTR	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.29%	9.17%	+0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.54%	14.57%	+13.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	34.92%	17.96%	+16.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.76%	22.69%	+5.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.45%	22.42%	+5.03%

Dividends

LSTR vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

LSTR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.73%, more than QQQ's 0.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LSTR Landstar System, Inc.	1.73%	2.48%	1.97%	1.68%	1.90%	1.63%	2.07%	0.61%	2.23%	0.37%	0.40%	2.22%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.43%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LSTR and QQQ in my portfolio?

LSTR and QQQ have a correlation of 0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LSTR or QQQ?

LSTR has higher volatility (9.29%) compared to QQQ (9.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LSTR dropped -53.20% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.50), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.