Generated July 2026 from current fund data.
Overview
QQQM and SCHG are both large-cap growth ETFs tracking U.S. equity indexes, but they offer meaningfully different exposure. QQQM tracks the NASDAQ-100βa 100-stock index heavily weighted to technology, semiconductors, and internet companiesβwhile SCHG tracks the broader Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Growth Index, which spans the wider growth universe across sectors. The choice hinges on how concentrated you're willing to be in tech-heavy growth.
How they differ
The biggest difference is concentration: QQQM's NASDAQ-100 is fundamentally a tech-focused basket, whereas SCHG's Dow Jones index spreads large-cap growth exposure across more sectors and a wider set of holdings. That shows up in betaβSCHG's 1.21 versus QQQM's 1.18βbut the real distinction is what you're buying: QQQM is lean-in tech; SCHG is diversified growth.
Second, fees and scale work in SCHG's favor. Its 0.04% expense ratio is less than a third of QQQM's 0.15%, and while QQQM holds more assets at $96.8B, SCHG's $58.4B is substantial and growing. Over decades, that fee gap compounds.
Third, yield is negligible for bothβ0.47% for QQQM and 0.39% for SCHGβso this isn't an income decision. QQQM's slightly higher payout reflects the dividend behavior of its mega-cap tech holdings; SCHG's reflects a broader mix. Both distribute quarterly.
Who each is best for
QQQM: Fits investors who want concentrated exposure to large-cap technology and want to track the NASDAQ-100 as a core holding, accepting higher volatility in exchange for a pure tech-growth tilt.
SCHG: Fits investors seeking large-cap growth exposure with sector diversification, lower fees, and a longer track record in a simple, low-cost vehicle.
Key risks to know
- Concentration in technology: QQQM's NASDAQ-100 structure means Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Tesla, and a handful of other mega-caps dominate the fund. A drawdown in big tech hits harder here than in SCHG.
- Sector rotation risk: SCHG's broader index means it captures growth across healthcare, industrials, and discretionary alongside tech. QQQM has limited exposure to defensive or non-tech growth, so extended periods of tech underperformance leave fewer hedges.
- QQQM's younger inception: QQQM launched in October 2020; SCHG in December 2009. SCHG has weathered multiple market cycles, including 2020's volatility; QQQM's track record, while growing, is newer and hasn't seen a sustained bear market.
- Valuation sensitivity: Both funds hold expensive growth stocks with low dividend yields, so rising interest rates and multiple compression pose a shared risk. The effect is slightly more acute in QQQM due to its tech weighting.
Bottom line
If you want concentrated, tech-forward growth and are comfortable with NASDAQ-100 exposure, QQQM offers that directly with adequate scale. If you prefer a broader growth mandate with meaningfully lower fees and a longer operating history, SCHG stands out. Past performance does not predict future results; both funds will fluctuate with growth-stock sentiment and macroeconomic conditions.
AI-generated analysis for educational purposes only. Verify important details independently; past performance does not guarantee future results.