GDE vs QQQ
WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. GDE delivered stronger 1-year returns. GDE offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDE | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $475M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.34% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +15.45% | +16.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +50.62% | +25.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +49.08% | +25.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 17, 2022 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GDE vs QQQ Performance
WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GDE returned +50.62% while QQQ returned +25.22%. Year to date, GDE is up 15.45% versus a gain of 16.19% for QQQ.
Over three years, GDE compounded at +49.08% per year against +25.47% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, GDE has the edge at +29.60% annualized vs +13.01%. 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 23.2% for GDE. 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 -32.0% for GDE 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDE 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, GDE currently yields 4.34% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GDE and QQQ share 82 holdings out of 515 unique holdings combined, representing a 42.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GDE or QQQ?
GDE 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, GDE or QQQ?
Over the past year GDE returned +50.62% vs +25.22% for QQQ, so GDE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GDE annualized +29.60% vs +13.01% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDE or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 23.2% for GDE. Worst drawdown: GDE -32.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GDE and QQQ?
GDE and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GDE and QQQ?
GDE and QQQ share 82 common holdings with a 42.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 515 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDE or QQQ?
GDE yields 4.34% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GDE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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