SATO vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

SATO (Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economy ETF) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SATO is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the Alerian Galaxy Global Cryptocurrency-Focused Blockchain Equity, Trusts and ETPs Index, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SATO returned 46.97%/yr vs 28.89%/yr for QQQ. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SATO charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

SATO vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economy ETF (SATO) 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, SATO achieves a 6.41% return, which is significantly lower than QQQ's 21.62% return.

SATO

• 1D: -2.72%
• 1M: 5.43%
• YTD: 6.41%
• 6M: -5.78%
• 1Y: 16.97%
• 3Y*: 46.97%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QQQ

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: 10.68%
• YTD: 21.62%
• 6M: 20.27%
• 1Y: 43.30%
• 3Y*: 28.89%
• 5Y*: 18.43%
• 10Y*: 21.97%

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

SATO vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SATO Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economy ETF	6.41%	2.26%	55.25%	266.77%	-80.20%	-17.39%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	21.62%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	9.75%

Correlation

The correlation between SATO and QQQ is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 8, 2021	0.64

The correlation between SATO and QQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.

SATO vs. QQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SATO	QQQ
Financial Services	57.1%	0.2%
Technology	32.2%	53.8%
Consumer Cyclical	4.4%	12.3%
Communication Services	3.0%	15.8%
Industrials	1.9%	2.8%
Utilities	1.5%	1.4%
Healthcare	1.2%	4.2%
Basic Materials	-	1.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	7.7%
Energy	-	0.6%
Real Estate	-	0.1%

Return for Risk

SATO vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

SATO

SATO Risk / Return Rank: 14
SATO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
SATO Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
SATO Omega Ratio Rank: 16
SATO Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
SATO Martin Ratio Rank: 11

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 77
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 77
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

SATO vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economy ETF (SATO) 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.

	SATO	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.33	2.73	-2.40
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.83	3.55	-2.72
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.47	-0.37
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.35	3.71	-3.36
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	0.65	14.30	-13.65
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SATO vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SATO Sharpe Ratio is 0.33, which is lower than the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SATO 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SATO	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.33	2.73	-2.40
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.99	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.00	0.41	-0.41

Drawdowns

SATO vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SATO drawdown since its inception was -88.00%, which is greater than QQQ's maximum drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SATO and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SATO	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-88.00%	-82.97%	-5.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-53.49%	-11.96%	-41.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-53.49%	-22.77%	-30.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.12%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-34.80%	0.00%	-34.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-51.02%	-32.79%	-18.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	29.07%	3.11%	+25.96%

Volatility

SATO vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economy ETF (SATO) has a higher volatility of 11.41% compared to Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) at 4.48%. This indicates that SATO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SATO	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.41%	4.48%	+6.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	38.64%	12.11%	+26.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	51.47%	15.95%	+35.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	63.29%	22.39%	+40.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	63.29%	22.30%	+40.99%

SATO vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SATO has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

SATO vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

SATO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.41%, more than QQQ's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.38%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%
SATO Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economy ETF	7.41%	9.50%	15.03%	2.21%	8.97%	0.73%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SATO and QQQ in my portfolio?

SATO and QQQ have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SATO or QQQ?

SATO has higher volatility (11.41%) compared to QQQ (4.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SATO dropped -88.00% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which ETF is better, SATO or QQQ?

On 3-year performance, SATO leads with 46.97% vs 28.89% for QQQ. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, QQQ has been the lower-risk option at 4.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SATO or QQQ?

Over the 3-year period, SATO has performed better with a 46.97% return vs 28.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SATO or QQQ?

QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for SATO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SATO or QQQ?

SATO has the higher dividend yield at 7.41%, compared with 0.38% for QQQ.

What is the main difference between SATO and QQQ?

SATO is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while QQQ is Nasdaq-100. SATO tracks Alerian Galaxy Global Cryptocurrency-Focused Blockchain Equity, Trusts and ETPs Index, while QQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for SATO and 0.18% for QQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.73 vs 0.33), 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.