GBF vs QQQ
iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. GBF offers more diversification with 3004 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GBF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $128M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.77% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 3,311 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.72% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.39% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.82% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.64% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 5, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GBF vs QQQ Performance
iShares Government/Credit Bond ETF (GBF) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GBF returned +1.39% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, GBF is down 0.72% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, GBF compounded at +3.82% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -0.64% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +0.91%. 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 4.8% for GBF. 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 -20.2% for GBF 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GBF charges 0.20% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $18 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GBF currently yields 3.77% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GBF and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 3106 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GBF | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDP | 0.01% | 0.19% | 0.18% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GBF or QQQ?
GBF has an expense ratio of 0.20% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GBF or QQQ?
Over the past year GBF returned +1.39% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), GBF annualized +0.91% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GBF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.8% for GBF. Worst drawdown: GBF -20.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GBF and QQQ?
GBF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GBF and QQQ?
GBF and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3106 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GBF or QQQ?
GBF yields 3.77% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so GBF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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