QQQM vs. XLC

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

QQQM (Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF) and XLC (Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - QQQM is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index, while XLC is a Communications Equities fund tracking the S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, QQQM returned 16.94%/yr vs 8.03%/yr for XLC. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QQQM charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLC.

Performance

QQQM vs. XLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQQM achieves a 17.59% return, which is significantly higher than XLC's -4.85% return.

QQQM

• 1D: 0.67%
• 1M: 0.97%
• YTD: 17.59%
• 6M: 17.91%
• 1Y: 35.90%
• 3Y*: 26.52%
• 5Y*: 16.94%
• 10Y*: —

XLC

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: -4.38%
• YTD: -4.85%
• 6M: -3.59%
• 1Y: 9.07%
• 3Y*: 21.60%
• 5Y*: 8.03%
• 10Y*: —

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

QQQM vs. XLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
QQQM Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF	17.59%	20.85%	25.68%	55.01%	-32.52%	27.45%	6.64%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	-4.85%	23.08%	34.71%	52.82%	-37.63%	15.96%	9.15%

Correlation

The correlation between QQQM and XLC is 0.55, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 13, 2020	0.79

Over the past year, the correlation between QQQM and XLC has dropped to 0.55 - well below their long-term average of 0.79, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

QQQM vs. XLC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QQQM	XLC
Technology	53.8%	4.7%
Communication Services	15.8%	95.1%
Consumer Cyclical	12.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	7.7%	-
Healthcare	4.2%	-
Industrials	2.8%	-
Utilities	1.4%	-
Basic Materials	1.1%	-
Energy	0.6%	-
Financial Services	0.2%	-
Real Estate	0.1%	-

Return for Risk

QQQM vs. XLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQM

QQQM Risk / Return Rank: 72
QQQM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
QQQM Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
QQQM Omega Ratio Rank: 73
QQQM Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
QQQM Martin Ratio Rank: 70

XLC

XLC Risk / Return Rank: 22
XLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Omega Ratio Rank: 20
XLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

QQQM vs. XLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). 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.

	QQQM	XLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	0.69	+1.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.74	1.08	+1.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.12	+0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.02	0.86	+2.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.23	2.73	+8.50

QQQM vs. XLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQM Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is higher than the XLC Sharpe Ratio of 0.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQM and XLC, 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

QQQM vs. XLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQQM drawdown since its inception was -35.04%, smaller than the maximum XLC drawdown of -46.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQQM and XLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQM	XLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.04%	-46.65%	+11.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.96%	-10.57%	-1.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.70%	-17.97%	-4.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.04%	-46.65%	+11.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.33%	-6.72%	+3.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.23%	-10.58%	+2.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.21%	3.33%	-0.12%

Volatility

QQQM vs. XLC - Volatility Comparison

Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM) has a higher volatility of 7.45% compared to Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) at 3.57%. This indicates that QQQM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQQM	XLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.45%	3.57%	+3.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.71%	9.65%	+4.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.11%	13.28%	+3.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.40%	20.68%	+1.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.22%	22.17%	+0.05%

QQQM vs. XLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQQM has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than XLC's 0.13% 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

QQQM vs. XLC - Dividend Comparison

QQQM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.43%, less than XLC's 1.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
QQQM Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF	0.43%	0.50%	0.61%	0.65%	0.83%	0.40%	0.16%	0.00%	0.00%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.25%	1.13%	0.99%	0.82%	1.10%	0.74%	0.68%	0.82%	0.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQQM and XLC in my portfolio?

QQQM and XLC have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QQQM or XLC?

QQQM has higher volatility (7.45%) compared to XLC (3.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQM dropped -35.04% vs XLC's -46.65%.

Which ETF is better, QQQM or XLC?

On 5-year performance, QQQM leads with 16.94% vs 8.03% for XLC. On fees, XLC is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, XLC has been the lower-risk option at 3.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQQM or XLC?

Over the 5-year period, QQQM has performed better with a 16.94% return vs 8.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQM or XLC?

XLC is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for QQQM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QQQM or XLC?

XLC has the higher dividend yield at 1.25%, compared with 0.43% for QQQM.

What is the main difference between QQQM and XLC?

QQQM is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while XLC is Communications Equities. QQQM tracks NASDAQ-100 Index, while XLC tracks S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for QQQM and 0.13% for XLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 0.69), 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.