GLDM vs QQQ
SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
GLDM has a lower expense ratio. GLDM delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GLDM | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.10% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $30.1B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +6.51% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.15% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.40% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.57% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GLDM vs QQQ Performance
SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM) 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 GLDM returned +38.15% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, GLDM is up 6.51% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, GLDM compounded at +34.40% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +20.57% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, GLDM has the edge at +17.12% annualized vs +13.03%. 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 16.3% for GLDM. 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 -26.3% for GLDM 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 0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GLDM charges 0.10% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $10 vs $18 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GLDM currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GLDM or QQQ?
GLDM has an expense ratio of 0.10% while QQQ charges 0.18%. GLDM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GLDM or QQQ?
Over the past year GLDM returned +38.15% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so GLDM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), GLDM annualized +17.12% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GLDM or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.3% for GLDM. Worst drawdown: GLDM -26.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GLDM and QQQ?
GLDM and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, GLDM or QQQ?
GLDM yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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