GOAU vs QQQ
US Global GO Gold and Precious Metal Miners ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. GOAU delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GOAU | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $195M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +17.31% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +57.90% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +49.79% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +24.02% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | U.S. Global Investors, Inc. | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2017 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GOAU vs QQQ Performance
US Global GO Gold and Precious Metal Miners ETF (GOAU) is a ETF from U.S. Global Investors, Inc. and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GOAU returned +57.90% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, GOAU is up 17.31% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, GOAU compounded at +49.79% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +24.02% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, GOAU has the edge at +18.51% annualized vs +13.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GOAU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.2% 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 -52.9% for GOAU 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GOAU 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, GOAU currently yields 1.09% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GOAU and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 133 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GOAU or QQQ?
GOAU 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, GOAU or QQQ?
Over the past year GOAU returned +57.90% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so GOAU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), GOAU annualized +18.51% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GOAU or QQQ?
GOAU has been the more volatile fund at 37.2% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: GOAU -52.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GOAU and QQQ?
GOAU and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GOAU and QQQ?
GOAU and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 133 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GOAU or QQQ?
GOAU yields 1.09% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GOAU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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