QQLV vs. SPY

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QQLV (Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF) and SPY (State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QQLV is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Low Volatility Index, while SPY is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, QQLV returned -0.14% vs 23.59% for SPY. At a 0.42 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QQLV charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for SPY.

Performance

QQLV vs. SPY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF (QQLV) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQLV achieves a 2.18% return, which is significantly lower than SPY's 8.15% return.

QQLV

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: -1.30%
• YTD: 2.18%
• 6M: 1.84%
• 1Y: -0.14%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPY

• 1D: -1.45%
• 1M: -1.36%
• YTD: 8.15%
• 6M: 7.20%
• 1Y: 23.59%
• 3Y*: 20.68%
• 5Y*: 13.05%
• 10Y*: 15.53%

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

QQLV vs. SPY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QQLV Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF	2.18%	4.19%	-5.60%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	8.15%	17.72%	-2.63%

Correlation

The correlation between QQLV and SPY is 0.33, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.33
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2024	0.42

Return for Risk

QQLV vs. SPY — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQLV

QQLV Risk / Return Rank: 8
QQLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
QQLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
QQLV Omega Ratio Rank: 8
QQLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
QQLV Martin Ratio Rank: 9

SPY

SPY Risk / Return Rank: 59
SPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
SPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
SPY Omega Ratio Rank: 57
SPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
SPY Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

QQLV vs. SPY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF (QQLV) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). 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.

	QQLV	SPY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.01	1.90	-1.91
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.05	2.58	-2.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.34	-0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.02	2.67	-2.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.04	11.92	-11.96

QQLV vs. SPY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQLV Sharpe Ratio is -0.01, which is lower than the SPY Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQLV and SPY, 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

QQLV vs. SPY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQLV drawdown since its inception was -9.54%, smaller than the maximum SPY drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQLV and SPY.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQLV	SPY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.54%	-55.19%	+45.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.35%	-8.88%	+1.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.76%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.50%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.72%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.38%	-3.17%	-0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.17%	-9.04%	+5.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.76%	1.98%	+1.78%

Volatility

QQLV vs. SPY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF (QQLV) is 3.24%, while State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) has a volatility of 4.87%. This indicates that QQLV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQLV	SPY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.24%	4.87%	-1.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.52%	9.85%	-2.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.34%	12.50%	-2.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.69%	17.15%	-4.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.69%	17.95%	-5.26%

QQLV vs. SPY - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQLV has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than SPY's 0.09% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

QQLV vs. SPY - Dividend Comparison

QQLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.10%, more than SPY's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QQLV Invesco QQQ Low Volatility ETF	2.10%	1.84%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	1.03%	1.07%	1.21%	1.40%	1.65%	1.20%	1.52%	1.75%	2.04%	1.80%	2.03%	2.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQLV and SPY in my portfolio?

QQLV and SPY have a correlation of 0.33, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QQLV or SPY?

SPY has higher volatility (4.87%) compared to QQLV (3.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQLV dropped -9.54% vs SPY's -55.19%.

Which ETF is better, QQLV or SPY?

On 1-year performance, SPY leads with 23.59% vs -0.14% for QQLV. On fees, SPY is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, QQLV has been the lower-risk option at 3.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQLV or SPY?

Over the 1-year period, SPY has performed better with a 23.59% return vs -0.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQLV or SPY?

SPY is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for QQLV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QQLV or SPY?

QQLV has the higher dividend yield at 2.10%, compared with 1.03% for SPY.

What is the main difference between QQLV and SPY?

QQLV is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while SPY is S&P 500. QQLV tracks Nasdaq Low Volatility Index, while SPY tracks S&P 500 Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for QQLV and 0.09% for SPY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs -0.01), 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.