GIAX vs QQQ
Nicholas Global Equity and Income ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GIAX | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.03% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $112M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 26.86% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 87 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.95% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.69% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | XFunds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 29, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GIAX vs QQQ Performance
Nicholas Global Equity and Income ETF (GIAX) is a ETF from XFunds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GIAX returned +17.69% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, GIAX is up 12.95% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 21.1% for GIAX. 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 -20.4% for GIAX 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GIAX charges 1.03% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $103 vs $18 annually, a gap of $85 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GIAX currently yields 26.86% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GIAX and QQQ share 13 holdings out of 115 unique holdings combined, representing a 34.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GIAX or QQQ?
GIAX has an expense ratio of 1.03% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $85 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GIAX or QQQ?
Over the past year GIAX returned +17.69% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), GIAX annualized +14.36% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GIAX or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 21.1% for GIAX. Worst drawdown: GIAX -20.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GIAX and QQQ?
GIAX and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between GIAX and QQQ?
GIAX and QQQ share 13 common holdings with a 34.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 115 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GIAX or QQQ?
GIAX yields 26.86% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GIAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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