GCAD vs QQQ
Gabelli Commercial Aerospace and Defense Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
GCAD has a lower expense ratio. GCAD delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GCAD | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $48M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.75% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.57% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.35% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.18% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 3, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GCAD vs QQQ Performance
Gabelli Commercial Aerospace and Defense Fund (GCAD) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GCAD returned +27.35% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, GCAD is up 12.57% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, GCAD compounded at +32.18% per year against +25.96% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, GCAD has the edge at +27.10% annualized vs +13.03%. 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 16.6% for GCAD. 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 -16.1% for GCAD 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GCAD charges 0.00% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $0 vs $18 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GCAD currently yields 1.75% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GCAD and QQQ share 3 holdings out of 150 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GCAD or QQQ?
GCAD has an expense ratio of 0.00% while QQQ charges 0.18%. GCAD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GCAD or QQQ?
Over the past year GCAD returned +27.35% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so GCAD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GCAD annualized +27.10% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GCAD or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.6% for GCAD. Worst drawdown: GCAD -16.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GCAD and QQQ?
GCAD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GCAD and QQQ?
GCAD and QQQ share 3 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 150 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GCAD or QQQ?
GCAD yields 1.75% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GCAD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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