STRGX vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

STRGX (Sterling Capital Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both funds - STRGX is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Sterling Capital, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Over the past 10 years, STRGX returned 10.65%/yr vs 22.48%/yr for QQQ. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. STRGX charges 0.84%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

STRGX vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sterling Capital Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund (STRGX) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with STRGX having a 20.07% return and QQQ slightly higher at 20.41%. Over the past 10 years, STRGX has underperformed QQQ with an annualized return of 10.65%, while QQQ has yielded a comparatively higher 22.48% annualized return.

STRGX

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: 3.07%
• YTD: 20.07%
• 6M: 18.12%
• 1Y: 26.52%
• 3Y*: 15.25%
• 5Y*: 8.97%
• 10Y*: 10.65%

QQQ

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 2.96%
• YTD: 20.41%
• 6M: 19.46%
• 1Y: 40.91%
• 3Y*: 27.47%
• 5Y*: 16.94%
• 10Y*: 22.48%

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

STRGX vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
STRGX Sterling Capital Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund	20.07%	5.40%	9.49%	14.39%	-10.92%	23.49%	3.74%	32.73%	-14.28%	21.75%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	20.41%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	27.42%	48.62%	38.96%	-0.13%	32.66%

Correlation

The correlation between STRGX and QQQ is 0.51, 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	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 10, 1999	0.69

The correlation between STRGX and QQQ shifts across timeframes, from 0.51 (1 year) to 0.69 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

STRGX vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

STRGX

STRGX Risk / Return Rank: 55
STRGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
STRGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
STRGX Omega Ratio Rank: 43
STRGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
STRGX Martin Ratio Rank: 54

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 72
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 72
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

STRGX vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sterling Capital Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund (STRGX) 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.

	STRGX	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	2.33	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.75	3.03	-0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.41	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.47	3.44	+0.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.45	12.79	-2.34

STRGX vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STRGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is comparable to the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STRGX 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

STRGX vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STRGX drawdown since its inception was -53.50%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STRGX and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	STRGX	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.50%	-82.97%	+29.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.79%	-11.96%	+4.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.88%	-22.77%	+1.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.22%	-35.12%	+13.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.35%	-35.12%	-6.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.55%	-0.99%	+0.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.02%	-32.73%	+24.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.58%	3.21%	-0.63%

Volatility

STRGX vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Sterling Capital Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund (STRGX) is 4.05%, while Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) has a volatility of 8.47%. This indicates that STRGX 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

	STRGX	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.05%	8.47%	-4.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.98%	14.20%	-3.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.40%	17.67%	-3.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.50%	22.64%	-5.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.14%	22.43%	-3.29%

STRGX vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

STRGX has a 0.84% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

STRGX vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

STRGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.36%, more than QQQ's 0.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.41%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%
STRGX Sterling Capital Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund	8.36%	10.04%	15.16%	12.43%	17.98%	8.18%	0.84%	5.40%	9.91%	3.79%	0.60%	3.68%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STRGX and QQQ in my portfolio?

STRGX and QQQ have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, STRGX or QQQ?

QQQ has higher volatility (8.47%) compared to STRGX (4.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STRGX dropped -53.50% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 1.87), 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.