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QQQ vs XLK: Performance & Backtest Comparison
QQQ delivered the higher return - 10.87% CAGR vs 10.17% - over 1999-04-30 → 2026-06-30.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| QQQ | XLK | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 | State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF |
| CAGR | 10.87% | 10.17% |
| Total return | 1563.95% | 1301.34% |
| Volatility | 23.31% | 22.97% |
| Max drawdown | -81.08%Sep 2002 | -80.47%Sep 2002 |
| Sharpe | 0.48 | 0.45 |
| Sortino | 0.65 | 0.64 |
| Best year | 74.15% | 56.02% |
| Worst year | -41.73% | -41.88% |
| Final balance | $166,395 | $140,134 |
Correlation of monthly returns: 0.96. Wondering if you need both? Check their fund overlap →
All figures are total returns: every dividend and distribution is reinvested on its ex-date, and prices are split-adjusted. See the methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Which has performed better, QQQ or XLK?
Over 1999-04-30 to 2026-06-30, QQQ performed better: 10.87% annualized versus 10.17% for XLK, with dividends reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How similar are QQQ and XLK?
Their monthly returns have a correlation of 0.96 over the common period. QQQ is Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1; XLK is State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF.
Which is riskier, QQQ or XLK?
Over the common period QQQ had 23.31% annualized volatility and a -81.08% max drawdown, versus 22.97% and -80.47% for XLK.