GDXJ vs QQQ
VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. GDXJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. GDXJ offers more diversification with 122 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDXJ | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $6.9B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.77% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 122 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +17.13% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +81.42% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +58.91% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +27.32% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 42.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2009 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GDXJ vs QQQ Performance
VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) is a ETF from VanEck and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GDXJ returned +81.42% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, GDXJ is up 17.13% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, GDXJ compounded at +58.91% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +27.32% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +3.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GDXJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 42.5% 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 -88.7% for GDXJ 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
GDXJ charges 0.52% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $18 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDXJ currently yields 2.77% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GDXJ and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 216 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, GDXJ or QQQ?
GDXJ has an expense ratio of 0.52% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDXJ or QQQ?
Over the past year GDXJ returned +81.42% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so GDXJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), GDXJ annualized +3.56% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDXJ or QQQ?
GDXJ has been the more volatile fund at 42.5% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: GDXJ -88.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GDXJ and QQQ?
GDXJ 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 GDXJ and QQQ?
GDXJ and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 216 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDXJ or QQQ?
GDXJ yields 2.77% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GDXJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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