GAL vs QQQ
State Street Global Allocation 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 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GAL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $318M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.22% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +9.11% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.99% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.34% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.17% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 25, 2012 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GAL vs QQQ Performance
State Street Global Allocation ETF (GAL) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GAL returned +15.99% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, GAL is up 9.11% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, GAL compounded at +14.34% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +7.17% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +5.62%. 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 10.0% for GAL. 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 -28.3% for GAL 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GAL charges 0.35% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $18 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GAL currently yields 3.22% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GAL and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 121 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GAL or QQQ?
GAL has an expense ratio of 0.35% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GAL or QQQ?
Over the past year GAL returned +15.99% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), GAL annualized +5.62% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GAL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.0% for GAL. Worst drawdown: GAL -28.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GAL and QQQ?
GAL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GAL and QQQ?
GAL and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 121 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GAL or QQQ?
GAL yields 3.22% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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