GGN vs QQQ
GAMCO Global Gold Natural Resources & Income Trust vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. GGN delivered stronger 1-year returns. GGN offers more diversification with 221 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GGN | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.40% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $992M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.70% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 221 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.91% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.09% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.04% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.42% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -94.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 29, 2005 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GGN vs QQQ Performance
GAMCO Global Gold Natural Resources & Income Trust (GGN) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GGN returned +29.09% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, GGN is up 11.91% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, GGN compounded at +24.04% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +17.42% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs -3.68%. 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 26.9% for GGN. 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 -94.2% for GGN 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GGN charges 1.40% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $140 vs $18 annually, a gap of $122 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GGN currently yields 6.70% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GGN or QQQ?
GGN has an expense ratio of 1.40% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $122 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GGN or QQQ?
Over the past year GGN returned +29.09% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so GGN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), GGN annualized -3.68% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GGN or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 26.9% for GGN. Worst drawdown: GGN -94.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GGN and QQQ?
GGN and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GGN and QQQ?
GGN and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 170 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GGN or QQQ?
GGN yields 6.70% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GGN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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