GLTR vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. GLTR delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: GLTRMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGLTRQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.60%0.18%
AUM$2.5B$455.8B
Dividend Yield0.00%0.41%
Holdings5108
YTD Return-4.87%+17.46%
1Y Return+40.10%+26.02%
3Y Return (annualized)+31.90%+25.51%
5Y Return (annualized)+16.50%+15.12%
Volatility (annualized)20.3%30.6%
Max Drawdown-55.7%-83.0%
Fund FamilyAberdeenInvesco (US)
CategoryCommodityEquity
InceptionOct 21, 2010Mar 10, 1999

GLTR vs QQQ Performance

abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF (GLTR) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GLTR returned +40.10% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, GLTR is down 4.87% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.

Over three years, GLTR compounded at +31.90% per year against +25.51% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +16.50% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +6.27%. 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 20.3% for GLTR. 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 -55.7% for GLTR 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 0.20. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

GLTR charges 0.60% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $18 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GLTR currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, GLTR or QQQ?

GLTR has an expense ratio of 0.60% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.

Which performed better, GLTR or QQQ?

Over the past year GLTR returned +40.10% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so GLTR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GLTR annualized +6.27% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, GLTR or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.3% for GLTR. Worst drawdown: GLTR -55.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both GLTR and QQQ?

GLTR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, GLTR or QQQ?

GLTR yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.