BAR vs QQQ
Graniteshares Gold Trust vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
BAR has a lower expense ratio. BAR delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BAR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +0.30% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.23% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.39% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.36% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 23, 2017 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BAR vs QQQ Performance
Graniteshares Gold Trust (BAR) is a ETF from GraniteShares and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BAR returned +29.23% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, BAR is up 0.30% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, BAR compounded at +31.39% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +19.36% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, BAR has the edge at +14.06% annualized vs +13.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 15.3% for BAR. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -26.3% for BAR and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BAR charges 0.17% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $18 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BAR currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BAR or QQQ?
BAR has an expense ratio of 0.17% while QQQ charges 0.18%. BAR is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BAR or QQQ?
Over the past year BAR returned +29.23% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so BAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), BAR annualized +14.06% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BAR or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.3% for BAR. Worst drawdown: BAR -26.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BAR and QQQ?
BAR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BAR or QQQ?
BAR yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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