GEM vs QQQ
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. GEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. GEM offers more diversification with 722 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GEM | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.87% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 777 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +17.16% | +17.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.67% | +26.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.20% | +26.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.31% | +15.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2015 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GEM vs QQQ Performance
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Emerging Markets Equity ETF (GEM) is a ETF from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GEM returned +34.67% while QQQ returned +26.45%. Year to date, GEM is up 17.16% versus a gain of 17.85% for QQQ.
Over three years, GEM compounded at +20.20% per year against +26.07% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +7.31% and +15.16% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.09% annualized vs +9.02%. 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 16.5% for GEM. 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 -37.0% for GEM 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GEM charges 0.35% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $18 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GEM currently yields 1.87% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GEM and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 824 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GEM | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDD | 0.34% | 0.25% | 0.09% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GEM or QQQ?
GEM has an expense ratio of 0.35% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GEM or QQQ?
Over the past year GEM returned +34.67% vs +26.45% for QQQ, so GEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), GEM annualized +9.02% vs +13.09% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GEM or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.5% for GEM. Worst drawdown: GEM -37.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GEM and QQQ?
GEM and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GEM and QQQ?
GEM and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 824 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GEM or QQQ?
GEM yields 1.87% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so GEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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