Generated August 15, 2026.
Overview
QQQM and SCHG are both large-cap growth ETFs tracking broad U.S. equity indexes, but they target different universes. QQQM tracks the NASDAQ-100—100 of the largest non-financial stocks weighted by market cap, heavily tilted toward technology and mega-cap names. SCHG tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Growth index, which captures up to 750 companies ranked by size and classified as growth, giving it wider diversification beyond the mega-cap tech core.
How they differ
The biggest difference is breadth and sector exposure. QQQM's 100-stock NASDAQ-100 concentration means its performance is dominated by a handful of mega-cap technology names; SCHG's up-to-750-stock universe spreads that weight across a much larger set of growth companies, including smaller-cap positions outside technology. Second, fees: SCHG's 0.04% expense ratio is half QQQM's 0.15%, a meaningful gap on a long-term hold. Third, QQQM has higher beta (1.18 vs. 1.21) and a slightly higher yield (0.47% vs. 0.38%), reflecting its tech concentration and the higher volatility that comes with it.
Who each is best for
- QQQM: Fits investors seeking pure, concentrated exposure to the largest non-financial companies in the U.S. market, particularly those comfortable with heavy technology and mega-cap weighting and willing to tolerate above-average volatility for that focus.
- SCHG: Designed for growth-oriented investors who want large-cap exposure across a broader set of companies and sectors, with lower fees and less concentration risk relative to the NASDAQ-100 benchmark.
Key risks to know
- Concentration and sector drift. QQQM's 100-stock design means a sharp decline in mega-cap technology stocks will have outsized impact on the fund's NAV. SCHG, with up to 750 holdings, disperses that risk more widely, but both funds are growth-tilted and will underperform in value-favoring markets.
- Beta and volatility premium. Both funds carry beta above 1.0 (QQQM at 1.18, SCHG at 1.21), meaning they amplify broad market swings. QQQM's tighter focus on the largest non-financials may drive greater swings in individual stock holdings, while SCHG's broader base may smooth some of that volatility.
- Fee drag over long periods. SCHG's 0.11 percentage-point expense-ratio advantage compounded over decades adds up to meaningful capital preservation, particularly relevant if market returns normalize to historical averages.
Bottom line
If you want maximum exposure to the largest U.S. growth companies and can tolerate technology concentration, QQQM delivers a focused, liquid bet. If you prefer wider diversification within growth at a lower cost, SCHG stands out for its breadth and fee efficiency. Both track transparent, rules-based indexes—past performance doesn't predict future results.
AI-generated analysis for educational purposes only. Verify important details independently; past performance does not guarantee future results.