QQQ: Invesco QQQ Trust returns, drawdowns and risk
Funds that track the Nasdaq-100: the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq, heavy in technology.
Data updated October 2026
QQQ · US exchange · USDCategory: Nasdaq-100 ETFsData from October 2006
From October 2006 to October 2026 QQQ returned 16.2% a year on average with dividends reinvested, in US dollars: $10,000 invested at the start grew to $199,872.
Its deepest fall was 53.4%, from October 2007 to November 2008, and it took about 37 months to get back to the previous high. Annual volatility was 22.1%; at the last close it was 5.4% below its high.
Against SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust), over the 240 months both have data, the correlation of monthly returns was 0.91: they moved almost in lockstep. Beta was 1.11. In months when SPY rose, QQQ moved 120% as much on average; in months when SPY fell, 101% as much.
Key figures
- Annual return (CAGR)
- +16.2%
- 1-year return
- +19.5%
- 5 years, a year
- +14.5%
- 10 years, a year
- +20.6%
- Annual volatility
- 22.1%
- Maximum drawdown
- −53.4%
- Sharpe ratio
- 0.72
- Worst year
- 2008: −41.7%
Trailing returns
| Period | QQQ | SPY |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | +19.5% | +16.6% |
| 3 years, a year | +26.6% | +23.1% |
| 5 years, a year | +14.5% | +12.7% |
| 10 years, a year | +20.6% | +15.4% |
To the last close of October 2026. Periods longer than a year are annualised.
Growth of $10,000: QQQ vs SPY
Month-end values from November 2006, the first month both funds have data.
QQQ drawdowns
Percentage below the previous high, weekly.
Returns by calendar year
| Year | QQQ | SPY |
|---|---|---|
| 2026(partial) | +17.3% | +13.3% |
| 2025 | +20.8% | +17.7% |
| 2024 | +25.6% | +24.9% |
| 2023 | +54.9% | +26.2% |
| 2022 | −32.6% | −18.2% |
| 2021 | +27.4% | +28.7% |
| 2020 | +48.6% | +18.3% |
| 2019 | +39.0% | +31.2% |
| 2018 | −0.1% | −4.6% |
| 2017 | +32.7% | +21.7% |
| 2016 | +7.1% | +12.0% |
| 2015 | +9.4% | +1.2% |
| 2014 | +19.2% | +13.5% |
| 2013 | +36.6% | +32.3% |
| 2012 | +18.1% | +16.0% |
| 2011 | +3.4% | +1.9% |
| 2010 | +19.9% | +15.1% |
| 2009 | +54.7% | +26.4% |
| 2008 | −41.7% | −36.8% |
| 2007 | +19.0% | +5.1% |
| 2006(partial) | +2.9% | — |
QQQ compared
How the figures are calculated
Total return in the fund’s trading currency, from end-of-day prices with dividends reinvested on the ex-date. The fund’s own ongoing charges are already reflected in its price; trading costs, taxes and currency conversion are not included. Past returns do not predict future returns.
Sharpe ratio uses the return of short-term government bills in the same currency as the risk-free rate. The growth chart uses month-end values; drawdowns and volatility use daily closes.
Questions
What is the average annual return of QQQ?
From October 2006 to October 2026 QQQ returned 16.2% a year on average (CAGR) with dividends reinvested, in USD. Over the last 5 years: +14.5% a year. Over the last 12 months: +19.5%.
What was the worst drawdown of QQQ?
53.4%, from October 2007 to November 2008; it took about 37 months from the previous high to get back to it.
How volatile is QQQ?
Annual volatility was 22.1% over the period. Its worst month was −15.6% and 63% of months were positive. Worst calendar year: 2008 (−41.7%).
How closely does QQQ follow SPY?
Over 240 months the correlation of monthly returns was 0.91, so they moved almost in lockstep, with a beta of 1.11.
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Source: MarketStack end-of-day prices, total return with dividends reinvested. Figures are historical and descriptive; they are not forecasts and not investment advice. MEDGE Capital does not recommend buying or selling any instrument. Risk disclaimer.