Nasdaq-100 vs S&P 500
Compare a Nasdaq-100 fund against an S&P 500 fund, including concentration and distribution differences.
QQQ tracks the Nasdaq-100, which is concentrated in large-cap growth and technology companies at a relatively low dividend yield. VOO tracks the broader S&P 500 across all sectors.
A lower yield means more of QQQ's return tends to arrive as unrealized appreciation rather than yearly distributions, while its sector concentration changes the risk profile. Run the backtest to compare both after taxes.
Historical results
Historical results for a $10,000 lump sum with dividends reinvested and monthly rebalancing, as of 2025-12-31. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Not investment advice.
After-tax assumptions: Single filer, $150,000 income, taxable account, HIFO lots, 2026 federal brackets, no state tax.
Run it live with your own dates and tax profileIs QQQ more tax-efficient than VOO?
QQQ's lower dividend yield means less return is distributed and taxed each year, which can reduce yearly taxable income in a taxable account. That is separate from total return, which depends on how the underlying stocks perform.
Does the Nasdaq-100 include only technology stocks?
No. It is the largest non-financial companies on the Nasdaq, which skews toward technology and growth but also includes consumer, healthcare, and other sectors. It is more concentrated than the S&P 500.
Run this comparison with your own dates, account type, and tax profile.
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