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Relative Intelligence · Semiconductors

How QUALCOMM (QCOM) compares with the whole market and its popular alternatives

Built by QuantCommons' quantitative engine, this page is about relative opportunity, not data on QCOM alone. It places QCOM (QUALCOMM Incorporated) against 20+ popular alternatives, its neighboring categories and the entire market of over 10,000 U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs, and surfaces what has done better on consistent outperformance, return for the risk taken, behavior in real market crashes and diversification. The result is a clearer view of where QCOM stands in the market, and of the alternatives worth a closer look.

Period covered: QCOM's full trading record, from December 1991 through September 2026. All returns include reinvested dividends. Data as of October 20, 2026.

Data as of October 20, 2026. Full tables and charts read best on a larger screen.

Rank the market against QCOM →Chart QCOM vs. 23 alternatives →
On this page12 sections

Key findings

How much would $10,000 in QCOM have grown?

This chart tracks a hypothetical $10,000 investment in QCOM over the past 29 years, with dividends reinvested, alongside the same amount in the S&P 500, investments that ended ahead of QCOM over the same span and QCOM's popular alternatives, among those that traded for the entire period. A second view covers the past 5 years, the period the better options further down the page are judged on. It shows not only where each investment ended up but also how smooth or uneven the path was.

Choose a period

From the end of September 1997 to the end of September 2026. The scale is logarithmic, so equal steps up the chart are equal percentage gains. Hover over a fund in the key to pick out its line. 51 of the 1,042 stocks and funds worth at least $500 million that traded the whole period ended ahead of QCOM; the chart shows 5, closest alternatives first. The other 3 lines are popular alternatives, shown for context.

$10,000$100,000$1M$10M199720022007201220172022$10,000$100,000$1M$10M19972004201120182025
  • MNST$46M+456,538% total · +33.7% a year
  • AAPL$21M+205,249% total · +30.1% a year
  • APH$3M+29,926% total · +21.7% a year
  • SCCO$3M+26,680% total · +21.3% a year
  • GILD$2M+15,614% total · +19.1% a year
  • QCOM$779,813+7,698% total · +16.2% a year
  • ADI$385,909+3,759% total · +13.4% a year
  • AMD$375,764+3,658% total · +13.3% a year
  • SMTC$206,420+1,964% total · +11.0% a year
  • SPY (S&P 500)$132,907+1,229% total · +9.3% a year
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From the end of September 2021 to the end of September 2026. Hover over a fund in the key to pick out its line. 1,402 of the 3,628 stocks and funds worth at least $500 million that traded the whole period ended ahead of QCOM; the chart shows 5, closest alternatives first. The other 3 lines are popular alternatives, shown for context.

$0$20,000$40,000$60,000$80,000$100,000$120,000202120222023202420252026$0$50,000$100,000$150,000202120222023202420252026
  • NVDA$110,811+1,008% total · +61.8% a year
  • AMD$59,452+495% total · +42.8% a year
  • MRVL$44,627+346% total · +34.9% a year
  • MTSI$43,907+339% total · +34.4% a year
  • TSM$43,622+336% total · +34.3% a year
  • ADI$25,751+158% total · +20.8% a year
  • AAPL$24,129+141% total · +19.3% a year
  • SPY (S&P 500)$19,000+90.0% total · +13.7% a year
  • TXN$16,791+67.9% total · +10.9% a year
  • QCOM$15,915+59.1% total · +9.7% a year
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QCOM at a glance

This section summarizes the key facts about the stock, its returns over periods from one to ten years and the risk it has carried, with dividends reinvested throughout. These figures serve as the baseline for every comparison that follows.

The company

Market value
$188B
Industry
Semiconductors
Price history from
December 1991

Returns

Past 1 year
+7.4%total return
Past 3 years
+72.4%+19.9% a year
Past 5 years
+48.3%+8.2% a year
Past 10 years
+239%+13.0% a year
Best calendar year
+2,621%1999
Worst calendar year
−53.3%2000
Losing years
8 of 29full calendar years

Risk

Volatility
42.8%typical yearly swing, 5 years
Sharpe ratio
0.40return per unit of risk, 5 years
Worst decline ever
−86.7%Jan 2000 to Aug 2002
From its all-time high
−29.4%below the peak

QCOM against the whole market

Where QCOM ranks among every stock and fund, and what across the market has done better.

How does QCOM rank among all stocks?

This section ranks QCOM on return, volatility, risk-adjusted return and worst decline against every stock worth at least $300 million with enough history. Where the comparisons with its popular alternatives show how QCOM stacks up against its peers, these rankings show where it stands in the market as a whole.

Ranked against U.S.-listed stocks worth at least $300M that have enough history for each measure, so the count changes from row to row; smaller stocks are left out. Lower volatility and smaller declines rank higher.

MeasureQCOMRankStanding
1-year return+7.4%1,682 of 3,287bottom 50%
3-year return+72.4%1,214 of 3,017top 40%
5-year return+48.3%1,108 of 2,893top 38%
10-year return+239%747 of 2,202top 34%
Volatility, 5 years42.8%1,594 of 2,893bottom 46%
Sharpe ratio, 5 years0.401,238 of 2,893top 43%
Worst decline, past 10 years−44.3%268 of 2,187top 12%

What has beaten QCOM on both return and risk?

Each dot is an investment, placed by how much it earned a year over the past 5 years (higher is better) and how much its price swung, its volatility (further left is calmer). QCOM sits where the dashed lines cross. Anything in the green box above and to the left earned more than QCOM with smaller swings, a better trade-off over this period on both counts. Past results are no promise, but a name in the box is worth a closer look.

Annual return is the annualized total return with dividends reinvested, and volatility the annualized swing in daily prices, both over 5 years. Labeled dots are the strongest picks from the table below and the names called out above, colored by how close they sit to QCOM; faint dots are 88 more of the 1,005 in the green region (the strongest, one per fund family). 3,633 stocks and funds worth at least $500 million were screened. Hover over a dot for its figures.

0.0%10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%60.0%0.0%10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%60.0%Volatility over 5 years (annualized)Annual return over 5 yearsMore return, less volatility than QCOMFAST: +15.8% a year, volatility 24.6%FNV: +12.5% a year, volatility 31.3%MGK: +13.5% a year, volatility 23.0%EXPD: +12.0% a year, volatility 27.1%EWT: +20.4% a year, volatility 24.2%IOO: +15.7% a year, volatility 17.2%TDIV: +16.2% a year, volatility 21.3%JNJ: +12.7% a year, volatility 17.9%V: +12.8% a year, volatility 22.9%KO: +14.7% a year, volatility 16.8%MCK: +38.7% a year, volatility 25.0%CHCO: +15.9% a year, volatility 22.8%GILD: +22.8% a year, volatility 24.9%DE: +14.4% a year, volatility 29.9%SCHD: +9.7% a year, volatility 14.3%NXTG: +16.2% a year, volatility 19.1%IWD: +11.4% a year, volatility 14.7%CME: +11.2% a year, volatility 20.8%QUAL: +11.4% a year, volatility 17.3%OEF: +14.3% a year, volatility 17.8%DGX: +12.3% a year, volatility 22.5%DGRW: +11.8% a year, volatility 14.0%PKG: +15.4% a year, volatility 25.8%COST: +17.4% a year, volatility 22.9%MPC: +51.2% a year, volatility 33.4%PBR-A: +51.8% a year, volatility 37.5%RWL: +13.7% a year, volatility 14.4%BBJP: +9.3% a year, volatility 18.6%JQUA: +13.6% a year, volatility 15.7%LECO: +14.1% a year, volatility 27.5%NHC: +32.0% a year, volatility 28.5%FLTW: +21.8% a year, volatility 24.3%RSPT: +16.9% a year, volatility 25.1%PGR: +21.3% a year, volatility 25.6%DSI: +12.0% a year, volatility 18.1%COKE: +41.2% a year, volatility 38.0%IWX: +12.7% a year, volatility 13.8%COR: +24.2% a year, volatility 22.8%SPUS: +15.0% a year, volatility 19.5%MNST: +17.2% a year, volatility 24.9%SNPE: +13.3% a year, volatility 17.2%DIVB: +13.9% a year, volatility 15.4%FV: +9.7% a year, volatility 21.1%HACK: +12.6% a year, volatility 25.8%WM: +9.3% a year, volatility 19.2%ESLT: +39.8% a year, volatility 34.6%FBT: +10.8% a year, volatility 22.2%QUS: +11.1% a year, volatility 14.2%XOM: +27.1% a year, volatility 26.5%FDLO: +9.8% a year, volatility 13.0%ABBV: +26.1% a year, volatility 23.4%HLAL: +14.0% a year, volatility 18.0%FDRR: +12.6% a year, volatility 15.0%EWJV: +14.9% a year, volatility 18.2%CSW: +17.1% a year, volatility 34.4%DJD: +11.8% a year, volatility 13.3%MA: +12.4% a year, volatility 23.8%PM: +21.0% a year, volatility 23.4%PBR: +50.3% a year, volatility 37.5%SHEL: +21.0% a year, volatility 24.8%PJP: +11.2% a year, volatility 16.6%LGH: +9.4% a year, volatility 16.7%MUSA: +26.1% a year, volatility 31.2%VLO: +44.2% a year, volatility 36.9%ONEQ: +12.9% a year, volatility 22.5%PSX: +33.2% a year, volatility 32.9%COP: +18.2% a year, volatility 32.6%VRTX: +22.6% a year, volatility 29.1%SU: +33.1% a year, volatility 32.5%GOOG: +19.0% a year, volatility 32.0%CNQ: +26.5% a year, volatility 32.5%ITUB: +26.3% a year, volatility 33.8%TRV: +22.4% a year, volatility 22.3%MAR: +22.0% a year, volatility 28.6%E: +23.0% a year, volatility 25.6%IMO: +34.3% a year, volatility 32.0%MFC: +22.6% a year, volatility 24.0%LVHI: +17.0% a year, volatility 11.1%BNS: +12.9% a year, volatility 19.9%NEM: +18.6% a year, volatility 39.1%EQNR: +19.2% a year, volatility 34.4%HLT: +21.0% a year, volatility 26.8%CTAS: +16.5% a year, volatility 23.1%JCI: +17.4% a year, volatility 29.1%HCA: +14.1% a year, volatility 30.1%WAB: +25.6% a year, volatility 26.2%WPM: +27.5% a year, volatility 36.9%NVS: +17.1% a year, volatility 20.7%QCOM: +8.2% a year, volatility 42.8%SPY (S&P 500): +12.7% a year, volatility 17.1%ADI: +19.5% a year, volatility 34.1%TSM: +31.5% a year, volatility 38.5%AAPL: +18.5% a year, volatility 28.0%TXN: +9.9% a year, volatility 33.7%NVDA: +58.0% a year, volatility 51.9%AVGO: +48.3% a year, volatility 44.5%APH: +33.8% a year, volatility 32.2%CIBR: +14.1% a year, volatility 26.1%MSFT: +12.5% a year, volatility 28.2%FTNT: +20.7% a year, volatility 44.8%CSCO: +16.8% a year, volatility 26.1%SKM: +8.8% a year, volatility 30.0%LLY: +40.7% a year, volatility 32.8%WMT: +20.8% a year, volatility 22.6%BRK-B: +13.4% a year, volatility 17.1%DXJ: +26.6% a year, volatility 19.1%AMGN: +19.6% a year, volatility 24.9%XLK: +19.4% a year, volatility 26.0%MOAT: +9.1% a year, volatility 18.4%SCCO: +32.0% a year, volatility 40.7%CAH: +42.1% a year, volatility 24.7%INSW: +56.5% a year, volatility 40.5%QCOMSPY (S&P 500)ADITSMAAPLTXNNVDAAVGOAPHCIBRFTNTCSCOSKMLLYWMTBRK-BDXJAMGNMOATSCCOCAHINSW0.0%10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%60.0%0.0%10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%60.0%Volatility over 5 years (annualized)Annual return over 5 yearsMore return, less volatility than QCOMFAST: +15.8% a year, volatility 24.6%FNV: +12.5% a year, volatility 31.3%MGK: +13.5% a year, volatility 23.0%EXPD: +12.0% a year, volatility 27.1%EWT: +20.4% a year, volatility 24.2%IOO: +15.7% a year, volatility 17.2%TDIV: +16.2% a year, volatility 21.3%JNJ: +12.7% a year, volatility 17.9%V: +12.8% a year, volatility 22.9%KO: +14.7% a year, volatility 16.8%MCK: +38.7% a year, volatility 25.0%CHCO: +15.9% a year, volatility 22.8%GILD: +22.8% a year, volatility 24.9%DE: +14.4% a year, volatility 29.9%SCHD: +9.7% a year, volatility 14.3%NXTG: +16.2% a year, volatility 19.1%IWD: +11.4% a year, volatility 14.7%CME: +11.2% a year, volatility 20.8%QUAL: +11.4% a year, volatility 17.3%OEF: +14.3% a year, volatility 17.8%DGX: +12.3% a year, volatility 22.5%DGRW: +11.8% a year, volatility 14.0%PKG: +15.4% a year, volatility 25.8%COST: +17.4% a year, volatility 22.9%MPC: +51.2% a year, volatility 33.4%PBR-A: +51.8% a year, volatility 37.5%RWL: +13.7% a year, volatility 14.4%BBJP: +9.3% a year, volatility 18.6%JQUA: +13.6% a year, volatility 15.7%LECO: +14.1% a year, volatility 27.5%NHC: +32.0% a year, volatility 28.5%FLTW: +21.8% a year, volatility 24.3%RSPT: +16.9% a year, volatility 25.1%PGR: +21.3% a year, volatility 25.6%DSI: +12.0% a year, volatility 18.1%COKE: +41.2% a year, volatility 38.0%IWX: +12.7% a year, volatility 13.8%COR: +24.2% a year, volatility 22.8%SPUS: +15.0% a year, volatility 19.5%MNST: +17.2% a year, volatility 24.9%SNPE: +13.3% a year, volatility 17.2%DIVB: +13.9% a year, volatility 15.4%FV: +9.7% a year, volatility 21.1%HACK: +12.6% a year, volatility 25.8%WM: +9.3% a year, volatility 19.2%ESLT: +39.8% a year, volatility 34.6%FBT: +10.8% a year, volatility 22.2%QUS: +11.1% a year, volatility 14.2%XOM: +27.1% a year, volatility 26.5%FDLO: +9.8% a year, volatility 13.0%ABBV: +26.1% a year, volatility 23.4%HLAL: +14.0% a year, volatility 18.0%FDRR: +12.6% a year, volatility 15.0%EWJV: +14.9% a year, volatility 18.2%CSW: +17.1% a year, volatility 34.4%DJD: +11.8% a year, volatility 13.3%MA: +12.4% a year, volatility 23.8%PM: +21.0% a year, volatility 23.4%PBR: +50.3% a year, volatility 37.5%SHEL: +21.0% a year, volatility 24.8%PJP: +11.2% a year, volatility 16.6%LGH: +9.4% a year, volatility 16.7%MUSA: +26.1% a year, volatility 31.2%VLO: +44.2% a year, volatility 36.9%ONEQ: +12.9% a year, volatility 22.5%PSX: +33.2% a year, volatility 32.9%COP: +18.2% a year, volatility 32.6%VRTX: +22.6% a year, volatility 29.1%SU: +33.1% a year, volatility 32.5%GOOG: +19.0% a year, volatility 32.0%CNQ: +26.5% a year, volatility 32.5%ITUB: +26.3% a year, volatility 33.8%TRV: +22.4% a year, volatility 22.3%MAR: +22.0% a year, volatility 28.6%E: +23.0% a year, volatility 25.6%IMO: +34.3% a year, volatility 32.0%MFC: +22.6% a year, volatility 24.0%LVHI: +17.0% a year, volatility 11.1%BNS: +12.9% a year, volatility 19.9%NEM: +18.6% a year, volatility 39.1%EQNR: +19.2% a year, volatility 34.4%HLT: +21.0% a year, volatility 26.8%CTAS: +16.5% a year, volatility 23.1%JCI: +17.4% a year, volatility 29.1%HCA: +14.1% a year, volatility 30.1%WAB: +25.6% a year, volatility 26.2%WPM: +27.5% a year, volatility 36.9%NVS: +17.1% a year, volatility 20.7%QCOM: +8.2% a year, volatility 42.8%SPY (S&P 500): +12.7% a year, volatility 17.1%ADI: +19.5% a year, volatility 34.1%TSM: +31.5% a year, volatility 38.5%AAPL: +18.5% a year, volatility 28.0%TXN: +9.9% a year, volatility 33.7%NVDA: +58.0% a year, volatility 51.9%AVGO: +48.3% a year, volatility 44.5%APH: +33.8% a year, volatility 32.2%CIBR: +14.1% a year, volatility 26.1%MSFT: +12.5% a year, volatility 28.2%FTNT: +20.7% a year, volatility 44.8%CSCO: +16.8% a year, volatility 26.1%SKM: +8.8% a year, volatility 30.0%LLY: +40.7% a year, volatility 32.8%WMT: +20.8% a year, volatility 22.6%BRK-B: +13.4% a year, volatility 17.1%DXJ: +26.6% a year, volatility 19.1%AMGN: +19.6% a year, volatility 24.9%XLK: +19.4% a year, volatility 26.0%MOAT: +9.1% a year, volatility 18.4%SCCO: +32.0% a year, volatility 40.7%CAH: +42.1% a year, volatility 24.7%INSW: +56.5% a year, volatility 40.5%QCOMSPY (S&P 500)ADITSMAAPLTXNNVDAAVGOAPHFTNTCSCOSKMLLYWMTBRK-BDXJAMGNMOATCAHINSW
  • Popular alternatives
  • Same and neighboring categories, and shared themes
  • The whole market
  • Others in the green region

Is there a better investment than QCOM?

Investments that beat QCOM over the past 5 years on return, volatility, drawdowns, consistency, crash losses or fees, from its popular alternatives out to the whole market.

How this works

The table below lists investments that beat QCOM over the past 5 years on at least one of these measures: a higher annual return with lower volatility, a higher annual return at similar volatility, a similar return with lower volatility, a higher Sharpe ratio with a smaller worst decline, a higher total return in most periods from 3 months to 10 years, or smaller losses in recent market crashes. It checks QCOM's popular alternatives first, then the rest of its own and neighboring categories, then every stock and fund worth at least $500 million, and shows the strongest few in each group. The full list of those with a higher return and lower volatility than QCOM follows the table.

Annual return is the annualized total return with dividends reinvested. Annual return, volatility and the Sharpe ratio cover 5 years; the worst decline covers the past 10 years. Green marks a better figure than QCOM's. "On the frontier" means no other option shown or tested earned more with less volatility. Funds that hold the same thing are shown once. Beyond the popular alternatives, nothing with more than 1.5× QCOM's volatility counts as better.

These figures cover the past 5 years. Green marks a better figure than QCOM's.

Screen the whole market against QCOM for any period in BetterThanSPYOpen these 21 in EasyCompare
InvestmentWhy it is betterPast 5 yearsDownsideLong runFit
Annual return?higher is betterVolatility?lower is calmerSharpe?return per unit of riskWorst decline?past 10 years10Y returntotalCorr. with QCOM?lower diversifies moreExpenseper year
QCOMQUALCOMM Incorporated · this page
+8.2%42.8%0.40−44.3%+239%1.00—
SPYState Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF · S&P 500
+12.7%17.1%0.79−33.7%+321%0.580.09%
Popular alternativesbest 6 shownThe investments people most often weigh against QCOM. 12 of 22 passed at least one test.
ADIAnalog Devices, Inc. · Semiconductors
Higher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periods+19.5%34.1%0.69−33.6%+652%0.51—
TSMTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited · Semiconductors
Higher return, lower volatilityHigher return in most periods+31.5%38.5%0.91−56.6%+1,505%0.45—
AAPLApple Inc. · Computer Hardware
Higher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst decline+18.5%28.0%0.75−38.5%+1,168%0.55—
TXNTexas Instruments Incorporated · Semiconductors
Higher return, lower volatilitySmaller losses in recent crashes+9.9%33.7%0.45−33.4%+424%0.52—
NVDANVIDIA Corporation · Semiconductors
Higher return in most periods+58.0%51.9%1.14−66.3%+13,019%0.49—
AVGOBroadcom Inc. · Semiconductors
Higher return, similar volatility+48.3%44.5%1.11−48.3%+2,380%0.35—
Same and neighboring categories, and shared themesbest 6 shownEverything else in Semiconductors and the categories next to it (Semiconductor Equipment, Computer Hardware, Communications Equipment, Software), plus QCOM's specific themes. 45 of 134 passed at least one test.
APHAmphenol Corporation · Electronic Components · Automotive Electronics theme
Higher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periods+33.8%32.2%1.07−37.5%+965%0.40—
CIBRFirst Trust Nasdaq Cybersecurity ETF · Cybersecurity
Higher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periods+14.1%26.1%0.64−33.9%+454%0.490.58%
MSFTMicrosoft Corporation · Software
Higher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineSmaller losses in recent crashes+12.5%28.2%0.56−37.1%+946%0.38—
FTNTFortinet, Inc. · Cybersecurity
Higher return, similar volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periods+20.7%44.8%0.65−38.3%+2,626%0.30—
CSCOCisco Systems, Inc. · Communications Equipment
Higher return, lower volatilitySmaller losses in recent crashes+16.8%26.1%0.73−42.0%+374%0.43—
SKMSK Telecom Co.,Ltd · Telecommunications · 5G Networks theme
Similar return, lower volatility+8.8%30.0%0.43−46.0%+152%0.30—
The whole marketbest 8 shownEvery other stock and fund worth at least $500 million. 1,377 of 3,477 passed at least one test.
LLYEli Lilly and Company · Pharmaceuticals
Higher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periodsSmaller losses in recent crashes+40.7%32.8%1.21−34.5%+1,807%0.07—
WMTWalmart Inc. · Discount Retail
Higher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periodsSmaller losses in recent crashes+20.8%22.6%0.96−25.7%+508%-0.04—
BRK-BBerkshire Hathaway Inc. · Insurance
Higher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periodsSmaller losses in recent crashes+13.4%17.1%0.82−29.6%+274%0.06—
DXJWisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund · International Equity
On the frontierHigher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periodsSmaller losses in recent crashes+26.6%19.1%1.34−39.1%+428%0.230.48%
AMGNAmgen Inc. · Biotechnology
Higher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periodsSmaller losses in recent crashes+19.6%24.9%0.85−24.9%+266%0.02—
XLKState Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF · Technology Equity
Higher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periodsSmaller losses in recent crashes+19.4%26.0%0.82−33.6%+767%0.710.08%
MOATVanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF · US Large-Cap Equity
Similar return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periods+9.1%18.4%0.57−33.3%+276%0.430.46%
SCCOSouthern Copper Corporation · Metals & Mining
Higher return, similar volatilityHigher return in most periods+32.0%40.7%0.89−55.3%+1,017%0.33—
What these numbers mean for QCOM
Annual return
QCOM returned 8.2% a year over the past 5 years with dividends reinvested, against 12.7% a year for the S&P 500. At that pace, $10,000 became about $14,800. Annual return is the steady yearly rate that would produce the same total result, so investments held over the same span compare fairly. Guide: What is performance and return? →
Volatility
QCOM's volatility over the past 5 years was 42.8%, 2.5 times the S&P 500's 17.1%. Volatility measures how widely returns swing around their average: in roughly two years out of three, QCOM's return lands within 42.8% of its average, either way. The higher it is, the rougher the ride and the harder it is to hold through a slump. Guide: Understanding and measuring risk (volatility) →
Sharpe ratio
QCOM's Sharpe ratio over the past 5 years was 0.40, against 0.79 for the S&P 500, so QCOM earned less for each unit of risk than an index fund did. The Sharpe ratio is the return earned above cash for each unit of volatility: two investments with the same return are not equal if one got there with far bigger swings. Guide: Balancing reward with risk (Sharpe ratio) →
Worst decline
QCOM's worst fall from a peak to a low over the past 10 years was 44.3%, against 33.7% for the S&P 500. Losses and gains are not symmetric: climbing back from a 44.3% fall takes a 79.4% gain. Guide: Market crash risk and tail risk →
Correlation
Over the past 5 years, QCOM's monthly returns had a correlation of 0.58 with the S&P 500. Correlation runs from 1 (moving in lockstep) through 0 (unrelated) to −1 (moving in opposite directions). They often move together: some diversification next to an index fund, but not a cushion. In the table, the correlation column measures each option against QCOM instead: the lower it is, the more that option would diversify a QCOM holding. Guide: Correlation and diversification →
Show all 1,005 stocks and funds worth at least $500 million that earned more than QCOM with less volatility

Out of 3,633 tested over 5 years. The strongest 100 are listed, best first, with funds that hold the same thing listed once.

#InvestmentFound inAnnual returnVolatilitySharpeWorst decline10Y returnCorr. with QCOMExpense
1
LLYEli Lilly and Company · Pharmaceuticals
Whole market+40.7%32.8%1.21−34.5%+1,807%0.07—
2
WMTWalmart Inc. · Discount Retail
Whole market+20.8%22.6%0.96−25.7%+508%-0.04—
3
BRK-BBerkshire Hathaway Inc. · Insurance
Whole market+13.4%17.1%0.82−29.6%+274%0.06—
4
DXJWisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund · International Equity
Whole market+26.6%19.1%1.34−39.1%+428%0.230.48%
5
AMGNAmgen Inc. · Biotechnology
Whole market+19.6%24.9%0.85−24.9%+266%0.02—
6
XLKState Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF · Technology Equity
Whole market+19.4%26.0%0.82−33.6%+767%0.710.08%
7
FASTFastenal Company · Industrial Distribution
Whole market+15.8%24.6%0.72−30.7%+576%0.02—
8
FNVFranco-Nevada Corporation · Gold Mining
Whole market+12.5%31.3%0.53−37.1%+303%0.07—
9
MGKVanguard Morningstar Mega Cap Growth ETF · US Large-Cap Growth
Whole market+13.5%23.0%0.67−36.0%+464%0.620.05%
10
EXPDExpeditors International of Washington, Inc. · Freight & Logistics
Whole market+12.0%27.1%0.56−35.6%+349%0.35—
11
EWTiShares MSCI Taiwan ETF · International Equity
Whole market+20.4%24.2%0.89−38.9%+468%0.640.59%
12
IOOiShares Global 100 ETF · Global Equity
Whole market+15.7%17.2%0.94−31.4%+361%0.590.40%
13
TDIVFirst Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund · Technology Equity
Whole market+16.2%21.3%0.81−32.0%+388%0.720.50%
14
JNJJohnson & Johnson · Pharmaceuticals
Whole market+12.7%17.9%0.76−27.4%+196%-0.23—
15
VVisa Inc. · Payment Processing
Whole market+12.8%22.9%0.64−36.4%+429%0.21—
16
KOThe Coca-Cola Company · Food & Beverages
Whole market+14.7%16.8%0.91−37.0%+204%-0.04—
17
MCKMcKesson Corporation · Health Care Distribution
Whole market+38.7%25.0%1.44−38.1%+586%-0.13—
18
CHCOCity Holding Company · Banks - Regional
Whole market+15.9%22.8%0.77−32.3%+286%0.08—
19
GILDGilead Sciences, Inc. · Biotechnology
Whole market+22.8%24.9%0.95−30.5%+200%0.01—
20
DEDeere & Company · Industrial Machinery
Whole market+14.4%29.9%0.60−37.9%+755%0.05—
21
SCHDSchwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF · US Dividend Equity
Whole market+9.7%14.3%0.72−33.4%+252%0.260.06%
22
NXTGFirst Trust Indxx NextG ETF · Technology
Whole market+16.2%19.1%0.89−33.6%+330%0.750.70%
23
IWDiShares Russell 1000 Value ETF · US Large-Cap Value
Whole market+11.4%14.7%0.81−38.5%+205%0.390.18%
24
CMECME Group Inc. · Capital Markets
Whole market+11.2%20.8%0.62−37.4%+319%-0.06—
25
QUALiShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF · US Quality Equity
Whole market+11.4%17.3%0.71−34.1%+293%0.520.15%
26
APHAmphenol Corporation · Electronic Components · Automotive Electronics theme
Same or nearby category+33.8%32.2%1.07−37.5%+965%0.40—
27
OEFiShares S&P 100 ETF · US Large-Cap Equity
Whole market+14.3%17.8%0.84−31.4%+367%0.600.20%
28
DGXQuest Diagnostics Incorporated · Medical Diagnostics
Whole market+12.3%22.5%0.63−36.6%+243%0.01—
29
DGRWWisdomTree U.S. Quality Dividend Growth Fund · US Dividend Equity
Whole market+11.8%14.0%0.87−32.0%+276%0.490.28%
30
PKGPackaging Corporation of America · Packaging
Whole market+15.4%25.8%0.69−38.2%+294%0.12—
31
COSTCostco Wholesale Corporation · Discount Retail
Whole market+17.4%22.9%0.82−31.4%+685%0.29—
32
MPCMarathon Petroleum Corporation · Oil & Gas
Whole market+51.2%33.4%1.41−79.7%+1,387%0.00—
33
PBR-APetróleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras · Integrated Oil & Gas
Whole market+51.8%37.5%1.31−71.7%+768%0.04—
34
RWLInvesco S&P 500 Revenue ETF · US Large-Cap Equity
Whole market+13.7%14.4%0.97−36.1%+287%0.440.39%
35
BBJPJPMorgan BetaBuilders Japan ETF · International Equity
Whole market+9.3%18.6%0.57−32.7%—0.470.19%
36
JQUAJPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF · US Quality Equity
Whole market+13.6%15.7%0.89−32.9%—0.530.12%
37
LECOLincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. · Industrial Machinery
Whole market+14.1%27.5%0.62−38.9%+389%0.17—
38
CAHCardinal Health, Inc. · Health Care Distribution
Whole market+42.1%24.7%1.55−46.1%+349%-0.09—
39
NHCNational HealthCare Corporation · Medical - Care Facilities
Whole market+32.0%28.5%1.12−35.3%+394%0.06—
40
FLTWFranklin FTSE Taiwan ETF · Technology
Whole market+21.8%24.3%0.94−38.0%—0.650.19%
41
RSPTInvesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF · Technology Equity
Whole market+16.9%25.1%0.75−33.7%+572%0.720.40%
42
PGRThe Progressive Corporation · Property & Casualty Insurance
Whole market+21.3%25.6%0.89−30.3%+816%-0.12—
43
ADIAnalog Devices, Inc. · Semiconductors
Popular alternative+19.5%34.1%0.69−33.6%+652%0.51—
44
DSIiShares ESG MSCI KLD 400 ETF · US ESG Equity
Whole market+12.0%18.1%0.72−34.1%+322%0.570.25%
45
COKECoca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. · Food & Beverages
Whole market+41.2%38.0%1.10−51.7%+1,569%0.17—
46
IWXiShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF · Broad Market
Whole market+12.7%13.8%0.94−35.8%+221%0.370.20%
47
CORCencora, Inc. · Health Care Distribution
Whole market+24.2%22.8%1.07−32.4%+406%-0.06—
48
SPUSSP Funds S&P 500 Sharia Industry Exclusions ETF · Technology
Whole market+15.0%19.5%0.82−30.8%—0.630.45%
49
MNSTMonster Beverage Corporation · Food & Beverages
Whole market+17.2%24.9%0.77−30.4%+285%0.14—
50
CIBRFirst Trust Nasdaq Cybersecurity ETF · Cybersecurity
Same or nearby category+14.1%26.1%0.64−33.9%+454%0.490.58%
51
SNPEXtrackers S&P 500 Scored & Screened ETF · Broad Market
Whole market+13.3%17.2%0.81−33.4%—0.560.10%
52
DIVBiShares Core Dividend ETF · Dividend & Income
Whole market+13.9%15.4%0.93−36.9%—0.430.05%
53
FVFirst Trust Dorsey Wright Focus 5 ETF · Broad Market
Whole market+9.7%21.1%0.55−34.0%+247%0.530.30%
54
HACKAmplify Cybersecurity ETF · Technology
Whole market+12.6%25.8%0.59−38.7%+373%0.410.60%
55
WMWaste Management, Inc. · Environmental Services
Whole market+9.3%19.2%0.56−30.1%+344%-0.06—
56
ESLTElbit Systems Ltd. · Aerospace & Defense
Whole market+39.8%34.6%1.15−35.4%+765%-0.05—
57
FBTFirst Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund · Healthcare
Whole market+10.8%22.2%0.58−33.3%+203%0.270.55%
58
QUSState Street SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF · Broad Market
Whole market+11.1%14.2%0.81−33.8%+273%0.460.15%
59
MSFTMicrosoft Corporation · Software
Same or nearby category+12.5%28.2%0.56−37.1%+946%0.38—
60
XOMExxonmobil Holdings Corporation · Integrated Oil & Gas
Whole market+27.1%26.5%1.04−61.0%+214%-0.14—
61
FDLOFidelity Low Volatility Factor ETF · Broad Market
Whole market+9.8%13.0%0.79−34.4%+249%0.390.15%
62
ABBVAbbVie Inc. · Pharmaceuticals
Whole market+26.1%23.4%1.11−45.1%+603%-0.05—
63
HLALWahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF · Broad Market
Whole market+14.0%18.0%0.82−33.6%—0.660.50%
64
FDRRFidelity Dividend ETF for Rising Rates · Dividend & Income
Whole market+12.6%15.0%0.87−36.5%+265%0.520.15%
65
EWJViShares MSCI Japan Value ETF · International
Whole market+14.9%18.2%0.86−30.1%—0.290.15%
66
CSWCSW Industrials, Inc. · Industrial Products
Whole market+17.1%34.4%0.63−46.2%+867%0.08—
67
DJDInvesco Dow Jones Industrial Average Dividend ETF · Dividend & Income
Whole market+11.8%13.3%0.91−34.7%+227%0.270.07%
68
MAMastercard Incorporated · Payment Processing
Whole market+12.4%23.8%0.61−41.0%+541%0.10—
69
PMPhilip Morris International Inc. · Tobacco
Whole market+21.0%23.4%0.94−42.9%+242%0.01—
70
PBRPetróleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras · Integrated Oil & Gas
Whole market+50.3%37.5%1.28−75.3%+674%0.01—
71
SHELShell plc · Integrated Oil & Gas
Whole market+21.0%24.8%0.90−67.2%+233%-0.11—
72
PJPInvesco Pharmaceuticals ETF · Healthcare
Whole market+11.2%16.6%0.72−34.0%+135%0.160.58%
73
INSWInternational Seaways, Inc. · Oil & Gas
Whole market+56.5%40.5%1.31−57.4%—-0.09—
74
LGHHCM Defender 500 Index ETF · Broad Market
Whole market+9.4%16.7%0.63−29.6%—0.521.00%
75
MUSAMurphy USA Inc. · Convenience Stores
Whole market+26.1%31.2%0.90−35.5%+706%-0.04—
76
VLOValero Energy Corporation · Oil & Gas
Whole market+44.2%36.9%1.18−71.9%+1,061%-0.02—
77
ONEQFidelity Nasdaq Composite Index ETF · US Total Market
Whole market+12.9%22.5%0.65−35.2%+453%0.640.21%
78
PSXPhillips 66 · Oil & Gas
Whole market+33.2%32.9%1.04−64.2%+430%0.03—
79
COPConocoPhillips · Exploration & Production
Whole market+18.2%32.6%0.68−70.7%+379%-0.09—
80
VRTXVertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated · Biotechnology
Whole market+22.6%29.1%0.85−41.6%+521%0.12—
81
SUSuncor Energy Inc. · Integrated Oil & Gas
Whole market+33.1%32.5%1.05−73.5%+295%-0.08—
82
GOOGAlphabet Inc. · Internet Services
Whole market+19.0%32.0%0.71−44.6%+752%0.43—
83
CNQCanadian Natural Resources Limited · Oil & Gas
Whole market+26.5%32.5%0.89−77.5%+433%0.00—
84
ITUBItaú Unibanco Holding S.A. · Banks
Whole market+26.3%33.8%0.86−62.1%+190%0.03—
85
TRVThe Travelers Companies, Inc. · Property & Casualty Insurance
Whole market+22.4%22.3%1.02−46.3%+347%-0.15—
86
MARMarriott International, Inc. · Hotels & Resorts
Whole market+22.0%28.6%0.84−61.3%+544%0.29—
87
EEni S.p.A. · Integrated Oil & Gas
Whole market+23.0%25.6%0.94−61.4%+278%0.00—
88
IMOImperial Oil Limited · Integrated Oil & Gas
Whole market+34.3%32.0%1.09−77.1%+430%-0.01—
89
MFCManulife Financial Corporation · Life Insurance
Whole market+22.6%24.0%0.97−57.5%+373%0.24—
90
LVHIFranklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF · International Equity
Whole market+17.0%11.1%1.48−32.4%+194%0.140.40%
91
BNSThe Bank of Nova Scotia · Banks
Whole market+12.9%19.9%0.71−46.9%+187%0.37—
92
NEMNewmont Corporation · Gold Mining
Whole market+18.6%39.1%0.63−62.4%+304%0.18—
93
EQNREquinor ASA · Integrated Oil & Gas
Whole market+19.2%34.4%0.69−66.8%+416%-0.12—
94
HLTHilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. · Hotels & Resorts
Whole market+21.0%26.8%0.85−50.8%+694%0.29—
95
CTASCintas Corporation · Business Services
Whole market+16.5%23.1%0.78−48.4%+808%0.05—
96
JCIJohnson Controls International plc · Building Products
Whole market+17.4%29.1%0.70−46.4%+426%0.24—
97
HCAHCA Healthcare, Inc. · Health Care Facilities
Whole market+14.1%30.1%0.59−54.7%+513%0.10—
98
WABWestinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation · Industrial Machinery
Whole market+25.6%26.2%1.00−64.1%+264%0.26—
99
WPMWheaton Precious Metals Corp. · Metals & Mining
Whole market+27.5%36.9%0.85−46.7%+510%0.22—
100
NVSNovartis AG · Pharmaceuticals
Whole market+17.1%20.7%0.87−26.8%+226%0.06—

QCOM against its popular alternatives

The investments people most often weigh against QCOM, compared period by period and year by year.

How do QCOM's risk and return compare with its alternatives?

This map plots each investment's annual return over the past 5 years against its volatility, the size of its typical price swings. Investments toward the upper left earned more for a smoother ride, and those toward the lower right earned less for a rougher one. The dashed lines cross at QCOM, which divides the map into what did better or worse on each measure.

Green points earned more than QCOM with less volatility; red points earned less with more. Hover over a point for its figures. Total returns with dividends reinvested, annualized.

10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%60.0%70.0%−20.0%−10.0%0.0%10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%60.0%Volatility over 5 years (annualized)Annual return over 5 yearsHigher return, lower volatilityLower return, higher volatilityQCOM: 8.2% a year, volatility 42.8%SPY (S&P 500): 12.7% a year, volatility 17.1%TSM: 31.5% a year, volatility 38.5%ADI: 19.5% a year, volatility 34.1%AAPL: 18.4% a year, volatility 28.0%TXN: 9.9% a year, volatility 33.7%SLAB: 8.1% a year, volatility 48.3%NOK: 11.6% a year, volatility 40.1%STM: 2.2% a year, volatility 47.7%SWKS: −10.8% a year, volatility 42.9%SYNA: −7.8% a year, volatility 54.7%MCHP: 2.5% a year, volatility 45.9%CEVA: −7.7% a year, volatility 57.6%MRVL: 29.5% a year, volatility 65.2%NVDA: 58.0% a year, volatility 51.9%AMD: 35.7% a year, volatility 57.6%MTSI: 32.0% a year, volatility 47.3%SIMO: 28.0% a year, volatility 55.1%SMTC: 11.9% a year, volatility 67.3%ON: 10.7% a year, volatility 55.9%INTC: 12.4% a year, volatility 55.6%AVGO: 48.3% a year, volatility 44.5%ERIC: 1.7% a year, volatility 35.7%NXPI: 5.7% a year, volatility 42.3%QCOMSPY (S&P 500)TSMADIAAPLTXNSLABNOKSTMSWKSSYNAMCHPCEVAMRVLNVDAAMDMTSISIMOSMTCONINTCAVGOERICNXPI0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%−20.0%0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%Volatility over 5 years (annualized)Annual return over 5 yearsHigher return, lower volatilityLower return, higher volatilityQCOM: 8.2% a year, volatility 42.8%SPY (S&P 500): 12.7% a year, volatility 17.1%TSM: 31.5% a year, volatility 38.5%ADI: 19.5% a year, volatility 34.1%AAPL: 18.4% a year, volatility 28.0%TXN: 9.9% a year, volatility 33.7%SLAB: 8.1% a year, volatility 48.3%NOK: 11.6% a year, volatility 40.1%STM: 2.2% a year, volatility 47.7%SWKS: −10.8% a year, volatility 42.9%SYNA: −7.8% a year, volatility 54.7%MCHP: 2.5% a year, volatility 45.9%CEVA: −7.7% a year, volatility 57.6%MRVL: 29.5% a year, volatility 65.2%NVDA: 58.0% a year, volatility 51.9%AMD: 35.7% a year, volatility 57.6%MTSI: 32.0% a year, volatility 47.3%SIMO: 28.0% a year, volatility 55.1%SMTC: 11.9% a year, volatility 67.3%ON: 10.7% a year, volatility 55.9%INTC: 12.4% a year, volatility 55.6%AVGO: 48.3% a year, volatility 44.5%ERIC: 1.7% a year, volatility 35.7%NXPI: 5.7% a year, volatility 42.3%QCOMSPY (S&P 500)TSMADIAAPLSTMSWKSSYNAMCHPMRVLNVDAAMDMTSISIMOSMTCONINTCAVGOERIC
All figures
InvestmentAnnual returnVolatility
NVDA NVIDIA Corporation+58.0%51.9%
AVGO Broadcom Inc.+48.3%44.5%
AMD Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.+35.7%57.6%
MTSI MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.+32.0%47.3%
TSM Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited+31.5%38.5%
MRVL Marvell Technology, Inc.+29.5%65.2%
SIMO Silicon Motion Technology Corporation+28.0%55.1%
ADI Analog Devices, Inc.+19.5%34.1%
AAPL Apple Inc.+18.4%28.0%
SPY S&P 500State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF+12.7%17.1%
INTC Intel Corp.+12.4%55.6%
SMTC Semtech Corporation+11.9%67.3%
NOK Nokia Oyj+11.6%40.1%
ON ON Semiconductor Corporation+10.7%55.9%
TXN Texas Instruments Incorporated+9.9%33.7%
QCOM This pageQUALCOMM Incorporated+8.2%42.8%
SLAB Silicon Laboratories Inc.+8.1%48.3%
NXPI NXP Semiconductors N.V.+5.7%42.3%
MCHP Microchip Technology Incorporated+2.5%45.9%
STM STMicroelectronics N.V.+2.2%47.7%
ERIC Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)+1.7%35.7%
CEVA CEVA, Inc.−7.7%57.6%
SYNA Synaptics Incorporated−7.8%54.7%
SWKS Skyworks Solutions, Inc.−10.8%42.9%
Open these 24 in EasyCompare

Has QCOM consistently beaten its popular alternatives?

This section compares QCOM with the investments people most often weigh against it, checking each one over eight periods from one month to ten years. Counting how often an alternative earned more than QCOM helps separate lasting outperformance from a single strong stretch.

A green cell means the alternative earned more than QCOM over that period. "Qualified" marks those that did so in at least 3 of 5 short-term periods and 2 of 3 long-term periods.

InvestmentPeriods outperformed Short termLong termRisk · 5 yearsFund
1M3M6MYTD1Y3Y5Y10YVolatilitylower is calmerSharpehigher is betterWorst declinepast 10 yearsExpenseAssetsOverlapsame sectors
QCOM QUALCOMM Incorporated (this page)—−9.5%+3.7%+28.9%+3.2%+7.4%+72.4%+48.3%+239%42.8%0.40−44.3%—$188B—
MRVL QualifiedMarvell Technology, Inc.5/5 short3/3 longAll-weather−6.6%+23.4%+62.7%+169%+181%+390%+264%+1,874%65.2%0.72−61.9%—$211B—
NVDA QualifiedNVIDIA Corporation4/5 short3/3 longAll-weather−4.8%+6.6%+7.4%+14.9%+18.8%+425%+884%+13,019%51.9%1.14−66.3%—$5.2T—
AMD QualifiedAdvanced Micro Devices, Inc.4/5 short3/3 longAll-weather−13.1%+6.2%+94.5%+139%+122%+425%+359%+7,583%57.6%0.82−65.5%—$873B—
TSM QualifiedTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited4/5 short3/3 longAll-weather−4.5%+5.9%+16.6%+34.0%+44.3%+382%+293%+1,505%38.5%0.91−56.6%—$2.2T—
ADI QualifiedAnalog Devices, Inc.4/5 short3/3 longAll-weather+3.7%+6.9%+4.8%+46.3%+63.3%+150%+144%+652%34.1%0.69−33.6%—$192B—
AAPL QualifiedApple Inc.3/5 short3/3 long+0.2%+4.0%+24.6%+25.6%+29.9%+99.0%+133%+1,168%28.0%0.75−38.5%—$5.0T—
MTSI QualifiedMACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.3/5 short3/3 long−5.8%−2.5%−6.5%+50.3%+87.4%+249%+302%+588%47.3%0.83−80.8%—$20B—
SIMO QualifiedSilicon Motion Technology Corporation3/5 short3/3 long−20.6%−15.2%+54.7%+130%+125%+320%+243%+494%55.1%0.71−56.5%—$7.2B—
SMTC QualifiedSemtech Corporation3/5 short3/3 long−23.2%+8.2%+28.6%+81.0%+98.7%+726%+75.3%+445%67.3%0.51−85.4%—$13B—
TXN QualifiedTexas Instruments Incorporated3/5 short3/3 long+2.6%−1.7%+20.1%+59.1%+58.7%+105%+60.5%+424%33.7%0.45−33.4%—$254B—
ON QualifiedON Semiconductor Corporation3/5 short2/3 long+5.4%−12.8%−11.6%+33.4%+37.8%−10.9%+66.0%+540%55.9%0.46−70.4%—$29B—
SLAB QualifiedSilicon Laboratories Inc.3/5 short2/3 long+0.1%+1.7%+3.3%+67.6%+60.8%+115%+47.7%+277%48.3%0.39−59.0%—$7.4B—
INTC QualifiedIntel Corp.3/5 short2/3 long−24.7%−5.5%+39.6%+133%+141%+167%+79.8%+219%55.6%0.49−70.8%—$485B—
AVGO SemiconductorsBroadcom Inc.1/5 short3/3 long−7.8%−11.4%−16.0%−3.3%−3.5%+305%+617%+2,380%44.5%1.11−48.3%—$1.6T—
NOK Communication EquipmentNokia Oyj2/5 short2/3 long−17.5%−10.2%−14.3%+40.3%+60.8%+211%+72.8%+123%40.1%0.47−62.6%—$49B—
ERIC Communication EquipmentTelefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)4/5 short1/3 long+5.5%+12.9%−8.0%+15.6%+15.6%+164%+8.9%+161%35.7%0.23−66.6%—$36B—
STM SemiconductorsSTMicroelectronics N.V.2/5 short1/3 long−11.2%−25.8%+3.3%+68.2%+52.9%+18.8%+11.6%+525%47.7%0.28−66.6%—$41B—
ARM SemiconductorsArm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares2/5 short1/3 long−31.5%−18.0%+26.2%+92.7%+28.9%+362%————−54.0%—$236B—
SWKS SemiconductorsSkyworks Solutions, Inc.5/5 short0/3 long−8.4%+36.0%+37.9%+28.9%+10.2%−2.8%−43.5%+29.2%42.9%-0.05−72.9%—$12B—
SYNA SemiconductorsSynaptics Incorporated4/5 short0/3 long+23.2%+3.4%+41.4%+55.1%+61.9%+29.9%−33.2%+72.3%54.7%0.12−85.3%—$4.7B—
MCHP SemiconductorsMicrochip Technology Incorporated3/5 short0/3 long+1.4%−5.2%−4.6%+18.6%+16.0%+8.5%+13.0%+207%45.9%0.28−63.8%—$41B—
NXPI SemiconductorsNXP Semiconductors N.V.3/5 short0/3 long+2.2%−10.7%+8.2%+8.8%+10.0%+34.9%+31.9%+159%42.3%0.34−53.3%—$60B—
CEVA SemiconductorsCEVA, Inc.1/5 short0/3 long−10.4%−22.6%+20.8%+28.8%+4.5%+58.9%−32.9%−6.1%57.6%0.15−78.2%—$813M—
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How did QCOM do year by year?

This table shows each investment's total return in every full calendar year since 1997, along with where QCOM ranked among its popular alternatives each year. Annual results reveal how consistently each one kept pace with QCOM and how far its good and bad years diverged, detail that multiyear averages tend to smooth over.

Newest year first. Green marks a year in which the fund came out ahead of QCOM; gray means the two finished within a fraction of a point. The rank row places QCOM among the alternatives that traded the full year; dark green is the top quarter and red the bottom quarter.

InvestmentYears ahead of QCOM20252024202320222021202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102009200820072006200520042003200220012000199919981997
QCOM This pageQUALCOMM Incorporated—+13.8%+8.3%+35.1%−38.6%+22.3%+77.1%+60.8%−7.6%+1.1%+35.1%−30.6%+2.3%+22.4%+14.9%+12.3%+9.0%+31.1%−7.6%+5.5%−11.3%+2.5%+58.3%+49.1%−28.0%−38.5%−53.3%+2,621%+6.4%+27.2%
Rank among alternativesTop quarter in 5 of 2913 of 2414 of 2411 of 2314 of 2316 of 237 of 2311 of 2312 of 2319 of 2310 of 2321 of 2321 of 2314 of 238 of 225 of 2214 of 2118 of 201 of 2013 of 2016 of 2013 of 195 of 1914 of 192 of 1712 of 1713 of 141 of 1313 of 134 of 12
SPY S&P 500State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF18 of 29+17.7%+24.9%+26.2%−18.2%+28.7%+18.3%+31.2%−4.6%+21.7%+12.0%+1.2%+13.5%+32.3%+16.0%+1.9%+15.1%+26.4%−36.8%+5.1%+15.9%+4.8%+10.7%+28.2%−21.6%−11.7%−9.8%+20.4%+28.7%+33.5%
MRVL Marvell Technology, Inc.13 of 25−22.8%+83.8%+63.7%−57.5%+84.6%+80.3%+65.7%−23.6%+56.9%+60.5%−37.8%+2.5%+102%−46.7%−25.3%−10.6%+211%−52.3%−27.1%−31.6%+58.1%+87.1%+101%−47.2%+63.5%————
NVDA NVIDIA Corporation18 of 26+38.9%+171%+239%−50.2%+125%+122%+76.4%−30.8%+82.5%+228%+67.1%+27.4%+33.5%−11.0%−10.0%−17.6%+131%−76.3%+37.9%+102%+55.2%+1.6%+102%−82.8%+308%+39.6%———
AMD Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.15 of 29+77.3%−18.1%+128%−55.0%+56.9%+100.0%+148%+79.6%−9.3%+295%+7.5%−31.0%+61.3%−55.6%−34.0%−15.5%+348%−71.2%−63.1%−33.5%+39.0%+47.8%+131%−59.3%+14.8%−4.6%−0.2%+63.3%−31.1%
TSM Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited19 of 28+55.7%+92.0%+41.8%−37.0%+11.7%+91.6%+63.3%−4.3%+37.9%+31.2%+4.9%+31.1%+4.5%+37.7%+7.3%+14.9%+52.9%−16.1%−4.3%+18.9%+27.1%−4.2%+56.7%−54.8%+39.5%−51.0%+290%+13.4%—
ADI Analog Devices, Inc.16 of 29+29.8%+8.8%+23.4%−4.9%+21.0%+26.9%+41.3%−1.6%+25.3%+35.0%+2.4%+12.2%+24.7%+21.2%−2.4%+22.7%+71.5%−38.0%−1.5%−6.7%−1.9%−18.7%+91.4%−46.2%−13.3%+10.1%+197%+13.3%+8.9%
AAPL Apple Inc.20 of 29+9.0%+30.7%+49.0%−26.4%+34.6%+82.3%+89.0%−5.4%+48.5%+12.5%−3.0%+40.6%+8.0%+32.6%+25.5%+53.2%+147%−56.9%+133%+18.1%+123%+201%+49.1%−34.6%+47.2%−71.1%+151%+212%−37.1%
MTSI MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.9 of 13+31.8%+39.8%+47.6%−19.6%+42.3%+107%+83.3%−55.4%−29.7%+13.2%+30.7%+84.1%+13.5%————————————————
SIMO Silicon Motion Technology Corporation12 of 20+76.9%−8.9%−4.9%−30.4%+102%−1.8%+51.7%−33.1%+27.1%+37.6%+35.4%+72.5%+4.6%−30.5%+381%+24.5%+48.8%−87.1%+12.1%+32.3%—————————
SMTC Semtech Corporation16 of 29+19.1%+182%−23.6%−67.7%+23.4%+36.3%+15.3%+34.1%+8.4%+66.8%−31.4%+9.1%−12.7%+16.6%+9.6%+33.1%+50.9%−27.4%+18.8%−28.4%−16.4%−4.0%+108%−69.3%+61.8%−15.3%+191%+83.4%+129%
TXN Texas Instruments Incorporated16 of 29−4.5%+13.1%+6.4%−9.9%+17.5%+31.7%+39.6%−7.2%+46.8%+36.7%+5.1%+25.1%+46.3%+7.9%−8.8%+27.0%+72.0%−52.8%+17.0%−9.8%+30.7%−15.9%+96.6%−46.2%−40.8%−1.8%+126%+90.7%+42.3%
ON ON Semiconductor Corporation11 of 25−14.1%−24.5%+33.9%−8.2%+108%+34.3%+47.7%−21.1%+64.1%+30.2%−3.3%+22.9%+16.9%−8.7%−21.9%+12.0%+159%−61.7%+17.3%+36.9%+21.8%−29.9%+373%−33.8%−60.6%————
SLAB Silicon Laboratories Inc.11 of 25+5.2%−6.1%−2.5%−34.3%+62.1%+9.8%+47.2%−10.8%+35.9%+33.9%+1.9%+10.0%+3.6%−3.7%−5.7%−4.9%+95.2%−33.8%+8.0%−5.5%+3.8%−18.4%+127%−43.4%+134%————
INTC Intel Corp.15 of 29+84.0%−59.6%+94.5%−46.6%+6.0%−14.7%+30.7%+4.2%+30.9%+8.7%−2.2%+44.3%+30.9%−12.0%+19.4%+6.3%+43.9%−43.5%+34.2%−17.2%+8.1%−26.6%+107%−50.3%+4.9%−26.9%+39.1%+69.0%+7.4%
AVGO Broadcom Inc.11 of 16+50.6%+110%+104%−13.3%+56.5%+45.0%+29.0%+2.2%+48.2%+23.6%+46.1%+93.4%+70.0%+12.0%+3.0%+55.4%—————————————
NOK Nokia Oyj13 of 29+50.7%+34.6%−23.9%−24.4%+59.3%+5.2%−34.9%+29.7%−0.3%−27.8%−8.4%+3.0%+105%−11.5%−50.3%−16.0%−14.5%−58.2%+93.4%+13.5%+20.0%−6.1%+12.0%−36.1%−43.0%−8.6%+219%+251%+21.6%
ERIC Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)13 of 29+24.0%+33.5%+13.2%−44.4%−7.2%+38.3%+0.1%+35.2%+16.7%−36.4%−18.1%+2.3%+25.5%+3.4%−9.5%+28.7%+20.9%−30.3%−40.7%+18.8%+10.6%+77.8%+162%−87.1%−53.0%−31.7%+177%+29.3%+24.7%
STM STMicroelectronics N.V.14 of 29+5.3%−49.6%+41.6%−26.8%+32.4%+38.9%+96.4%−35.7%+95.1%+76.9%−6.7%−2.5%+15.2%+30.1%−40.6%+15.9%+43.9%−52.3%−21.1%+2.9%−6.1%−28.1%+39.0%−38.3%−26.0%−15.2%+288%+27.8%−12.7%
ARM Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares1 of 2−11.4%+64.1%———————————————————————————
SWKS Skyworks Solutions, Inc.13 of 29−25.5%−18.9%+26.5%−40.0%+2.7%+28.4%+84.1%−28.3%+28.7%−1.2%+6.7%+156%+40.6%+25.2%−43.4%+102%+156%−34.8%+20.2%+38.9%−45.9%+8.4%+0.9%−60.5%−41.1%+29.1%+139%+123%+104%
SYNA Synaptics Incorporated11 of 23−3.0%−33.1%+19.9%−67.1%+200%+46.6%+76.8%−6.8%−25.5%−33.3%+16.7%+32.9%+72.9%−0.6%+2.6%−4.1%+85.1%−39.6%+38.6%+20.1%−19.2%+104%+97.0%——————
MCHP Microchip Technology Incorporated16 of 29+14.6%−34.9%+30.9%−18.0%+27.5%+33.7%+48.1%−16.7%+39.5%+41.6%+6.3%+4.0%+42.4%−7.1%+10.3%+24.6%+57.8%−34.8%−0.7%+4.4%+22.6%−19.9%+36.8%−5.1%+76.5%−27.9%+85.0%+23.6%−11.6%
NXPI NXP Semiconductors N.V.9 of 15+6.4%−8.0%+48.4%−29.2%+44.8%+26.6%+75.7%−37.0%+19.5%+16.3%+10.3%+66.3%+74.5%+71.2%−26.6%——————————————
CEVA CEVA, Inc.11 of 23−31.8%+38.9%−11.2%−40.8%−5.0%+68.8%+22.1%−52.1%+37.6%+43.6%+28.8%+19.2%−3.4%−47.9%+47.6%+59.4%+83.7%−42.7%+88.7%+3.4%−31.3%−12.5%+76.1%——————
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Risk and diversification

How QCOM has fallen, how it held up in crashes beside the S&P 500 and its popular alternatives, and what moves independently of it.

What were QCOM's worst declines?

A drawdown is the decline from a peak to the lowest point before a new high. This section presents QCOM's five deepest drawdowns since it began trading in 1991, alongside the S&P 500's return over the same dates, and how long each took to recover. Together, these figures show how much an investor could have lost and how long it took to get back to even.

Green means QCOM fell less than the S&P 500 over the same dates. Based on daily closing prices with dividends reinvested.

DuringQCOM fellS&P 500, same datesPeakLowTime to the lowBack at the peakTime to recover
Dot-com bust−86.7%−40.7%Jan 2000Aug 20022.6 yearsMar 201411.6 years
No named crash−64.5%−2.8%Oct 1993Jul 19949 monthsJul 199512 months
No named crash−53.1%—Jan 1992Sep 19928 monthsNov 19922 months
2015 China and oil sell-off−45.1%−3.8%Jul 2014Feb 201619 monthsSep 20182.6 years
2022 bear market−44.3%−20.0%Dec 2021Nov 202211 monthsMay 202418 months

How did QCOM do in stock market crashes?

This section measures how far QCOM, the S&P 500 and each alternative fell from peak to trough during every major market crash since 2000. A smaller decline means an investment held up better, and comparing results across crashes shows whether that resilience was consistent or a one-off.

Newest crash first. Each figure is the fund's deepest fall within the crash window; green means a smaller fall than QCOM.

InvestmentHeld up better2023 regional bank crisisMar 20232022 bear marketJan 2022Covid crashFeb 2020Late-2018 sell-offSep 2018February 2018 volatility shockFeb 20182015 China and oil sell-offAug 20152011 euro debt crisisJul 20112010 flash crashMay 20102008 financial crisisOct 2007Dot-com bustMar 2000
QCOM This pageQUALCOMM Incorporated—−5.6%−41.5%−32.2%−26.8%−6.6%−30.7%−19.2%−0.5%−48.0%−84.9%
SPY S&P 500State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF6 of 10−3.4%−24.5%−33.7%−19.3%−6.5%−12.8%−17.9%−1.5%−55.2%−47.5%
MRVL Marvell Technology, Inc.2 of 9−12.0%−56.8%−31.6%−26.1%−7.5%−37.6%−23.1%0.0%−74.3%—
NVDA NVIDIA Corporation2 of 10−5.0%−60.7%−37.5%−55.9%−8.5%−25.3%−23.8%−1.7%−85.1%−89.7%
AMD Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.1 of 10−3.9%−60.1%−34.3%−48.9%−9.9%−40.0%−41.5%0.0%−87.6%−93.3%
TSM Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited6 of 10−3.9%−54.3%−23.3%−21.4%−9.3%−13.2%−15.7%0.0%−48.0%−82.4%
ADI Analog Devices, Inc.6 of 10−2.6%−22.6%−33.6%−18.1%−7.2%−22.7%−18.6%−1.2%−55.0%−82.0%
AAPL Apple Inc.7 of 10−2.9%−27.4%−30.7%−36.5%−4.8%−23.4%−12.5%−4.3%−60.9%−81.2%
MTSI MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.2 of 6−4.8%−43.9%−48.1%−37.0%−41.5%−22.4%————
SIMO Silicon Motion Technology Corporation2 of 9−7.3%−38.1%−36.8%−40.2%−12.4%−19.2%−30.8%−1.5%−92.4%—
SMTC Semtech Corporation1 of 10−5.5%−70.8%−44.9%−27.8%−9.3%−22.7%−24.5%−0.8%−55.8%−84.7%
TXN Texas Instruments Incorporated5 of 10−2.6%−21.7%−29.8%−19.5%−9.3%−18.4%−21.6%−1.3%−61.4%−85.4%
ON ON Semiconductor Corporation2 of 9−6.4%−34.0%−59.6%−23.7%−12.2%−39.2%−28.5%0.0%−80.0%—
SLAB Silicon Laboratories Inc.2 of 9−3.4%−42.9%−34.8%−22.7%−10.1%−32.0%−25.2%−1.9%−60.6%—
INTC Intel Corp.5 of 10−1.0%−54.1%−33.5%−13.0%−6.7%−19.7%−16.2%−0.9%−55.2%−82.3%
AVGO Broadcom Inc.5 of 8−2.8%−34.3%−46.8%−15.2%−4.5%−21.6%−26.7%0.0%——
NOK Nokia Oyj6 of 10−2.1%−32.1%−42.4%−9.7%−2.8%−23.3%−21.1%0.0%−78.1%−82.1%
ERIC Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)4 of 10−2.3%−53.5%−31.3%−13.3%−7.5%−19.2%−31.9%−0.8%−71.4%−98.6%
STM STMicroelectronics N.V.3 of 10−3.2%−40.6%−49.6%−31.0%−9.1%−31.6%−36.9%−3.2%−77.2%−83.5%
SWKS Skyworks Solutions, Inc.2 of 10−3.0%−50.0%−43.0%−32.3%−5.3%−38.6%−37.2%−3.4%−66.0%−95.7%
SYNA Synaptics Incorporated2 of 9−6.7%−68.3%−40.4%−28.7%−5.1%−34.1%−13.9%−1.1%−64.4%—
MCHP Microchip Technology Incorporated6 of 10−3.8%−35.3%−49.0%−25.9%−14.4%−18.6%−12.7%−0.4%−55.2%−58.7%
NXPI NXP Semiconductors N.V.3 of 7−4.2%−38.8%−52.0%−27.4%−4.0%−35.5%−39.8%———
CEVA CEVA, Inc.0 of 9−5.8%−44.3%−41.0%−29.7%−15.2%−35.9%−29.5%−1.3%−61.1%—
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How closely does QCOM move with the S&P 500?

Upside capture measures how much of the S&P 500's gains an investment kept in the months the market rose, and downside capture how much of its losses it took in the months the market fell. An investment that captures more of the gains than the losses has compounded ahead of the market over time. This section compares QCOM with its popular alternatives on both measures, and on beta (how strongly each has moved with the market), over the past 10 years.

Monthly total returns over the past 10 years, measured against SPY. 100% capture or a beta of 1.00 means moving in line with the S&P 500. Green marks a better figure than QCOM's: more upside, less downside or a higher capture ratio. Sorted by capture ratio.

InvestmentUpside captureDownside captureCapture ratioBeta
QCOM This pageQUALCOMM Incorporated115%139%0.831.51
AVGO Broadcom Inc.158%86%1.851.19
TSM Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited138%75%1.841.15
NVDA NVIDIA Corporation248%140%1.771.83
AAPL Apple Inc.137%94%1.461.15
MRVL Marvell Technology, Inc.167%116%1.441.68
AMD Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.254%179%1.422.25
ADI Analog Devices, Inc.117%92%1.261.20
STM STMicroelectronics N.V.122%104%1.171.72
SIMO Silicon Motion Technology Corporation126%116%1.091.41
TXN Texas Instruments Incorporated113%108%1.041.18
INTC Intel Corp.98%100%0.981.43
MTSI MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.148%157%0.941.93
ON ON Semiconductor Corporation161%185%0.871.95
SLAB Silicon Laboratories Inc.113%130%0.871.18
NOK Nokia Oyj63%72%0.871.01
SMTC Semtech Corporation193%240%0.811.99
MCHP Microchip Technology Incorporated127%170%0.751.72
NXPI NXP Semiconductors N.V.115%157%0.731.63
ERIC Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)73%108%0.670.71
SYNA Synaptics Incorporated117%188%0.621.64
SWKS Skyworks Solutions, Inc.88%149%0.591.31
CEVA CEVA, Inc.63%122%0.511.52
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What diversifies QCOM?

Correlation measures how closely two investments move together, on a scale from 1 (in lockstep) through 0 (unrelated) to -1 (in opposite directions). This section lists large ETFs and stocks whose returns have had a low correlation with QCOM's. Because such investments tend not to fall at the same time, pairing QCOM with them can reduce a portfolio's overall swings.

Only ETFs with at least $1.0B in assets and stocks worth at least $10B, with a correlation below 0.5 over the past 5 years and a positive return, are included, ranked by Sharpe ratio; funds that hold the same thing are shown once. The year columns are the years in which QCOM lost money. The last two columns show a portfolio that is 80% QCOM and 20% the other investment, rebalanced monthly.

ETFs

InvestmentCorrelation5Y returnSharpe2022201820152008200620022001200080/20 mix volatility80/20 mix annual return
QCOM QUALCOMM Incorporated (this page)1.00+48.3%0.40−38.6%−7.6%−30.6%−7.6%−11.3%−28.0%−38.5%−53.3%44.8%+9.7%
LVHI InternationalFranklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF0.14+119%1.48+3.8%−5.2%——————36.2%+12.7%
DXJ InternationalWisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund0.23+225%1.34+6.0%−19.8%+7.7%−20.8%————36.5%+14.5%
PJUL Broad MarketInnovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF0.47+64.4%1.20−2.1%———————36.6%+11.3%
EMLP Broad MarketFirst Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund0.06+101%1.04+10.4%−8.7%−25.3%—————36.1%+12.5%
HDV Dividend & IncomeiShares Core High Dividend ETF0.08+83.3%1.00+7.1%−3.0%−0.3%—————36.2%+11.8%
FTLS Broad MarketFirst Trust Long/Short Equity ETF0.49+62.9%0.99−5.6%−4.8%+4.7%—————36.7%+11.3%
DBEF InternationalXtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF0.41+85.0%0.96−5.1%−9.5%+4.1%—————36.8%+11.8%
GLD CommoditiesSPDR Gold Shares0.14+126%0.96−0.8%−1.9%−10.7%+4.9%+22.6%———36.5%+13.0%

Stocks

InvestmentCorrelation5Y returnSharpe2022201820152008200620022001200080/20 mix volatility80/20 mix annual return
QCOM QUALCOMM Incorporated (this page)1.00+48.3%0.40−38.6%−7.6%−30.6%−7.6%−11.3%−28.0%−38.5%−53.3%44.8%+9.7%
CAH Medical - DistributionCardinal Health, Inc.-0.09+479%1.55+54.1%−24.5%+12.6%−39.6%−5.8%−8.3%−2.5%+108%35.8%+17.3%
CLS Hardware, Equipment & PartsCelestica Inc.0.42+3,143%1.47+1.3%−16.3%−6.0%−20.5%−26.0%−65.1%−25.6%−2.3%42.1%+28.0%
FIX Engineering & ConstructionComfort Systems USA, Inc.0.21+1,636%1.46+17.0%+0.8%+67.7%−15.2%+38.9%−9.4%+73.7%−71.1%38.7%+25.2%
MCK Medical - DistributionMcKesson Corporation-0.13+413%1.44+51.8%−28.4%−4.5%−40.4%−1.2%−27.2%+4.9%+61.2%35.6%+16.7%
MPC Oil & Gas Refining & MarketingMarathon Petroleum Corporation0.00+690%1.41+86.6%−8.2%+17.4%—————36.4%+19.2%
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Common questions

What was QCOM's worst drawdown?

QCOM's deepest decline since it began trading in 1991 was 86.7%, from January 2000 to August 2002. It took about 12 years from the low to climb back to its old high.

What were QCOM's best and worst years?

Over 29 full calendar years, QCOM's best year was 1999, when it returned 2,621%. Its worst was 2000, with a return of -53.3%.

Is there a better investment than QCOM?

Among QCOM's popular alternatives, ADI, TSM and AAPL earned more than QCOM with less volatility over the past 5 years. ADI returned 19.5% a year at 34.1% volatility, against 8.2% a year at 42.8%. Looking beyond its popular alternatives, APH (automotive electronics theme) and CIBR (cybersecurity) earned more than QCOM with less volatility over the past 5 years. APH returned 33.8% a year at 32.2% volatility, against 8.2% a year at 42.8%.

Is QCOM more volatile than the S&P 500?

Yes. QCOM's volatility over the past 5 years was 42.8%, 2.5 times the S&P 500's 17.1%. Volatility measures how widely returns swing around their average: in roughly two years out of three, QCOM's return lands within 42.8% of its average, either way. The higher it is, the rougher the ride and the harder it is to hold through a slump.

What is QCOM's Sharpe ratio?

QCOM's Sharpe ratio over the past 5 years was 0.40, against 0.79 for the S&P 500, so QCOM earned less for each unit of risk than an index fund did. The Sharpe ratio is the return earned above cash for each unit of volatility: two investments with the same return are not equal if one got there with far bigger swings.

How correlated is QCOM with the S&P 500?

Over the past 5 years, QCOM's monthly returns had a correlation of 0.58 with the S&P 500. Correlation runs from 1 (moving in lockstep) through 0 (unrelated) to −1 (moving in opposite directions). They often move together: some diversification next to an index fund, but not a cushion. In the table, the correlation column measures each option against QCOM instead: the lower it is, the more that option would diversify a QCOM holding.

What are the best alternatives to QCOM?

Of the 23 popular alternatives we compared, 13 outperformed QCOM in at least 3 of 5 short-term and 2 of 3 long-term timeframes, with dividends reinvested: MRVL, NVDA and AMD.

Did QCOM outperform the S&P 500?

QCOM finished ahead of the S&P 500 (SPY) in ten of 29 full calendar years. In 2025, it returned +13.8%, against +17.7% for the index.

How did QCOM do in stock market crashes?

QCOM fell less than the S&P 500 (SPY) in three of the ten major crashes it has traded through, and further in six. The clearest case was the dot-com bust, when QCOM fell 84.9% and the S&P 500 fell 47.5%.

What diversifies QCOM?

These had a low correlation with QCOM over the past 5 years and still earned a positive 5-year return: among large ETFs, LVHI (correlation 0.14), DXJ (correlation 0.23) and PJUL (correlation 0.47); among large stocks, CAH (correlation -0.09), CLS (correlation 0.42) and FIX (correlation 0.21). A correlation near zero means the two have moved largely independently.

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