BASG vs QQQ
Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BASG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.61% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $490M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.15% | +17.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.38% | +26.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Brown Advisory | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 13, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BASG vs QQQ Performance
Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth ETF (BASG) is a ETF from Brown Advisory and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BASG returned +11.38% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, BASG is up 12.15% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 15.6% for BASG. 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 -19.3% for BASG 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BASG charges 0.61% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $61 vs $18 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BASG currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
BASG and QQQ share 16 holdings out of 121 unique holdings combined, representing a 28.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BASG or QQQ?
BASG has an expense ratio of 0.61% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BASG or QQQ?
Over the past year BASG returned +11.38% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), BASG annualized +12.25% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BASG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.6% for BASG. Worst drawdown: BASG -19.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BASG and QQQ?
BASG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BASG and QQQ?
BASG and QQQ share 16 common holdings with a 28.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 121 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BASG or QQQ?
BASG yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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