SOXQ vs. QQQ

Last updated Jul 8, 2026

SOXQ (Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SOXQ is a Semiconductors fund tracking the PHLX Semiconductor Sector Index, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SOXQ returned 31.87%/yr vs 15.30%/yr for QQQ. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SOXQ charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

SOXQ vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (SOXQ) 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, SOXQ achieves a 73.86% return, which is significantly higher than QQQ's 15.76% return.

SOXQ

• 1D: -4.68%
• 1M: 0.58%
• 6M: 61.06%
• YTD: 73.86%
• 1Y: 122.87%
• 3Y*: 51.86%
• 5Y*: 31.87%
• 10Y*: —

QQQ

• 1D: -1.85%
• 1M: 0.73%
• 6M: 14.07%
• YTD: 15.76%
• 1Y: 29.13%
• 3Y*: 25.38%
• 5Y*: 15.30%
• 10Y*: 21.31%

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

SOXQ vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SOXQ Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF	73.86%	43.11%	20.16%	66.74%	-35.59%	25.19%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	15.76%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	17.31%

Correlation

The correlation between SOXQ and QQQ is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 11, 2021	0.86

The correlation between SOXQ and QQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

SOXQ vs. QQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SOXQ	QQQ
Technology	100.0%	58.7%
Financial Services	0.1%	0.2%
Basic Materials	-	1.0%
Communication Services	-	14.3%
Consumer Cyclical	-	11.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	6.4%
Energy	-	0.5%
Healthcare	-	3.7%
Industrials	-	2.6%
Real Estate	-	0.1%
Utilities	-	1.2%

Return for Risk

SOXQ vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

SOXQ

SOXQ Risk / Return Rank: 92
SOXQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
SOXQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
SOXQ Omega Ratio Rank: 88
SOXQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
SOXQ Martin Ratio Rank: 96

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 56
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 53
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

SOXQ vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (SOXQ) 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.

	SOXQ	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.03	1.59	+1.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.20	2.15	+1.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.28	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.76	2.45	+5.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	26.13	8.85	+17.27

SOXQ vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SOXQ Sharpe Ratio is 3.03, which is higher than the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SOXQ 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

SOXQ vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SOXQ drawdown since its inception was -46.01%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SOXQ and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SOXQ	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.01%	-82.97%	+36.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.92%	-11.96%	-3.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-39.36%	-22.77%	-16.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.01%	-35.12%	-10.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.92%	-4.82%	-11.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.84%	-32.69%	+19.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.72%	3.30%	+1.42%

Volatility

SOXQ vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (SOXQ) has a higher volatility of 24.41% compared to Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) at 10.08%. This indicates that SOXQ'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

	SOXQ	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	24.41%	10.08%	+14.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.98%	15.24%	+19.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	40.86%	18.43%	+22.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	37.77%	22.77%	+15.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	37.57%	22.43%	+15.14%

SOXQ vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SOXQ has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% 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

SOXQ vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

SOXQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.29%, less 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%
SOXQ Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF	0.29%	0.50%	0.68%	0.87%	1.36%	0.72%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SOXQ and QQQ in my portfolio?

SOXQ and QQQ have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SOXQ or QQQ?

SOXQ has higher volatility (24.41%) compared to QQQ (10.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SOXQ dropped -46.01% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which ETF is better, SOXQ or QQQ?

On 5-year performance, SOXQ leads with 31.87% vs 15.30% for QQQ. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, QQQ has been the lower-risk option at 10.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SOXQ or QQQ?

Over the 5-year period, SOXQ has performed better with a 31.87% return vs 15.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SOXQ or QQQ?

QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.19% for SOXQ.

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

QQQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.43%, compared with 0.29% for SOXQ.

What is the main difference between SOXQ and QQQ?

SOXQ is categorized as Semiconductors, while QQQ is Nasdaq-100. SOXQ tracks PHLX Semiconductor Sector Index, while QQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for SOXQ and 0.18% for QQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.03 vs 1.59), 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.