GBUG vs QQQ
Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. GBUG delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GBUG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $170M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.75% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 46 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +23.69% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +91.03% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 51.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 19, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GBUG vs QQQ Performance
Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners ETF (GBUG) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GBUG returned +91.03% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, GBUG is up 23.69% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GBUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 51.4% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -37.4% for GBUG 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 -0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GBUG charges 0.90% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $90 vs $18 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GBUG currently yields 1.75% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GBUG and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 147 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, GBUG or QQQ?
GBUG has an expense ratio of 0.90% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GBUG or QQQ?
Over the past year GBUG returned +91.03% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so GBUG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), GBUG annualized +92.77% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GBUG or QQQ?
GBUG has been the more volatile fund at 51.4% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: GBUG -37.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GBUG and QQQ?
GBUG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GBUG and QQQ?
GBUG and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 147 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GBUG or QQQ?
GBUG yields 1.75% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GBUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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