GDV vs QQQ
Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. GDV offers more diversification with 715 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDV | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.30% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.23% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 715 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.52% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.97% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.52% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.06% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 28, 2003 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GDV vs QQQ Performance
Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust (GDV) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GDV returned +20.97% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, GDV is up 12.52% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, GDV compounded at +20.52% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.06% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +3.32%. 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 19.1% for GDV. 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 -73.3% for GDV 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDV charges 1.30% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $130 vs $18 annually, a gap of $112 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDV currently yields 5.23% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GDV and QQQ share 48 holdings out of 733 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GDV or QQQ?
GDV has an expense ratio of 1.30% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $112 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDV or QQQ?
Over the past year GDV returned +20.97% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), GDV annualized +3.32% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDV or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.1% for GDV. Worst drawdown: GDV -73.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GDV and QQQ?
GDV and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GDV and QQQ?
GDV and QQQ share 48 common holdings with a 15.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 733 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDV or QQQ?
GDV yields 5.23% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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