SCHK vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SCHK (Schwab 1000 Index ETF) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHK is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Schwab 1000 Index, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SCHK returned 12.15%/yr vs 15.94%/yr for QQQ. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SCHK charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

SCHK vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab 1000 Index ETF (SCHK) 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, SCHK achieves a 8.17% return, which is significantly lower than QQQ's 15.95% return.

SCHK

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: -1.28%
• YTD: 8.17%
• 6M: 6.80%
• 1Y: 21.87%
• 3Y*: 20.60%
• 5Y*: 12.15%
• 10Y*: —

QQQ

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: -0.86%
• YTD: 15.95%
• 6M: 14.16%
• 1Y: 32.28%
• 3Y*: 25.87%
• 5Y*: 15.94%
• 10Y*: 22.01%

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

SCHK vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHK Schwab 1000 Index ETF	8.17%	17.23%	24.48%	26.63%	-19.51%	26.17%	20.75%	31.31%	-5.09%	5.24%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	15.95%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	27.42%	48.62%	38.96%	-0.13%	5.75%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHK and QQQ is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 11, 2017	0.92

The correlation between SCHK and QQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

SCHK vs. QQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHK	QQQ
Technology	38.0%	58.7%
Financial Services	11.2%	0.2%
Communication Services	10.1%	14.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.8%	11.4%
Industrials	8.9%	2.6%
Healthcare	8.4%	3.7%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	6.4%
Energy	3.2%	0.5%
Utilities	2.1%	1.2%
Real Estate	2.0%	0.1%
Basic Materials	1.9%	1.0%

Return for Risk

SCHK vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHK

SCHK Risk / Return Rank: 58
SCHK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
SCHK Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SCHK Omega Ratio Rank: 55
SCHK Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
SCHK Martin Ratio Rank: 66

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 59
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 58
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

SCHK vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab 1000 Index ETF (SCHK) 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.

	SCHK	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	1.81	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.36	2.41	-0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.32	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.45	2.71	-0.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.86	10.01	+0.84

SCHK vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHK Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is comparable to the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHK 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

SCHK vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHK drawdown since its inception was -34.80%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHK and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHK	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.80%	-82.97%	+48.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.97%	-11.96%	+2.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.21%	-22.77%	+3.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.44%	-35.12%	+9.68%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.31%	-4.66%	+1.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.16%	-32.72%	+27.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.02%	3.23%	-1.21%

Volatility

SCHK vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab 1000 Index ETF (SCHK) is 4.95%, while Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) has a volatility of 9.17%. This indicates that SCHK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHK	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.95%	9.17%	-4.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.07%	14.54%	-4.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.82%	17.95%	-5.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.34%	22.69%	-5.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.12%	22.41%	-3.29%

SCHK vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHK has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SCHK vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

SCHK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, more than QQQ's 0.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
SCHK Schwab 1000 Index ETF	1.03%	1.09%	1.20%	1.38%	1.57%	1.17%	1.58%	1.82%	1.80%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHK and QQQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, SCHK and QQQ move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SCHK or QQQ?

QQQ has higher volatility (9.17%) compared to SCHK (4.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHK dropped -34.80% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which ETF is better, SCHK or QQQ?

On 5-year performance, QQQ leads with 15.94% vs 12.15% for SCHK. On fees, SCHK is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, SCHK has been the lower-risk option at 4.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHK or QQQ?

Over the 5-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 15.94% return vs 12.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHK or QQQ?

SCHK is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.18% for QQQ.

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

SCHK has the higher dividend yield at 1.03%, compared with 0.43% for QQQ.

What is the main difference between SCHK and QQQ?

SCHK is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while QQQ is Nasdaq-100. SCHK tracks Schwab 1000 Index, while QQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for SCHK and 0.18% for QQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.72), 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.