if you can trade options, do this instead

**Investing in SPY500 and QQQ ETFs: A Historical Performance Review**

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) like the SPY500 and QQQ have become popular investment vehicles for those looking to gain exposure to a broad market index or a specific sector. The SPY500 ETF, which tracks the S&P 500 index, and the QQQ ETF, which mirrors the NASDAQ-100 index, are two of the most widely recognized ETFs in the market. Let's delve into their historical performance and compare them with the returns typically achieved by options traders.

**SPY500 ETF (SPY) Historical Performance**

The SPY500 ETF, also known as the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), has shown a robust performance over the years. As of May 2024, the SPY has delivered a **1-Year Return of 24.69%** and a **3-Year Return of 8.13%**. Looking at the past decade, the SPY has provided investors with an average annual return of **12.85%**. These figures highlight the ETF's potential for steady growth over time.

**QQQ ETF (QQQ) Historical Performance**

On the other hand, the QQQ ETF, which is the Invesco QQQ Trust, has also posted impressive returns. As of May 2024, the QQQ has a **1-Year Return of 38.17%** and a **3-Year Return of 9.71%**¹. Over the last ten years, the QQQ has generated an average annual return of **18.10%**¹, outperforming the SPY in terms of growth.

**Comparison with Options Trading**

Options trading can offer high returns but comes with higher risks and complexity. Unlike ETFs, which can be held indefinitely, options have expiration dates, and their value can be highly volatile. While some options traders may achieve significant returns in a short period, many may not consistently outperform the annual returns of ETFs like SPY and QQQ. The historical data suggests that investing in these ETFs could potentially yield better long-term returns than the average options trader's performance.

**Similar ETFs to Consider**

For investors looking for alternatives to SPY and QQQ, here are five ETFs that offer similar exposure:

1. **Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)**: Tracks the same index as SPY but with a lower expense ratio. 

2. **Rydex S&P Equal Weight ETF (RSP)**: Offers equal weighting to each component of the S&P 500, which can lead to different performance characteristics.

3. **Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM)**: A lower-cost alternative to QQQ with similar exposure to the NASDAQ-100 index. 

4. **iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF)**: Focuses on large-cap growth stocks in the Russell 1000 index. 

5. **SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG)**: Provides exposure to the growth segment of the S&P 500 index. 

In conclusion, both SPY500 and QQQ ETFs have demonstrated strong historical performance, offering investors the potential for solid returns over the long term. While options trading may seem attractive for its high-return potential, it carries greater risk and requires more active management. For those seeking a more passive investment strategy, ETFs like SPY and QQQ, along with their alternatives, can be a valuable part of an investment portfolio.