GLD vs QQQ
SPDR Gold Shares vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. GLD delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GLD | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $143.8B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +4.26% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.67% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +33.20% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.03% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2004 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GLD vs QQQ Performance
SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) 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 GLD returned +34.67% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, GLD is up 4.26% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, GLD compounded at +33.20% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +20.03% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +10.83%. 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 17.3% for GLD. 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 -45.6% for GLD 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 0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GLD 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, GLD currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GLD or QQQ?
GLD 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, GLD or QQQ?
Over the past year GLD returned +34.67% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so GLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), GLD annualized +10.83% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GLD or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.3% for GLD. Worst drawdown: GLD -45.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GLD and QQQ?
GLD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, GLD or QQQ?
GLD yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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