GII vs QQQ
State Street SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure 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 | GII | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $930M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.66% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 88 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +7.78% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.58% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.92% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.48% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 25, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GII vs QQQ Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure ETF (GII) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GII returned +11.58% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, GII is up 7.78% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, GII compounded at +16.92% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.48% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +2.89%. 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 15.0% for GII. 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 -53.6% for GII 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GII charges 0.40% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $18 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GII currently yields 2.66% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GII and QQQ share 5 holdings out of 173 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GII or QQQ?
GII has an expense ratio of 0.40% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GII or QQQ?
Over the past year GII returned +11.58% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), GII annualized +2.89% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GII or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.0% for GII. Worst drawdown: GII -53.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GII and QQQ?
GII and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GII and QQQ?
GII and QQQ share 5 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 173 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GII or QQQ?
GII yields 2.66% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GII currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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