GLNK vs QQQ
Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
GLNK has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GLNK | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $92M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -12.30% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | -80.12% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -10.15% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 154.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -96.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Grayscale | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GLNK vs QQQ Performance
Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF (GLNK) is a ETF from Grayscale and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GLNK returned -80.12% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, GLNK is down 12.30% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, GLNK compounded at -10.15% per year against +25.96% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +6.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GLNK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 154.2% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -96.3% for GLNK 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GLNK charges 0.00% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $0 vs $18 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GLNK currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GLNK or QQQ?
GLNK has an expense ratio of 0.00% while QQQ charges 0.18%. GLNK is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GLNK or QQQ?
Over the past year GLNK returned -80.12% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GLNK annualized +6.53% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GLNK or QQQ?
GLNK has been the more volatile fund at 154.2% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: GLNK -96.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GLNK and QQQ?
GLNK and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, GLNK or QQQ?
GLNK yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.