GOF vs QQQ
Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. GOF offers more diversification with 1,635 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GOF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.44% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $486.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 20.95% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 1,635 | 107 | |
| YTD Return | -16.82% | +17.18% | |
| 1Y Return | -24.99% | +27.33% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -1.26% | +24.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.75% | +14.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Guggenheim Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 26, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GOF vs QQQ Performance
Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund (GOF) is a ETF from Guggenheim Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GOF returned -24.99% while QQQ returned +27.33%. Year to date, GOF is down 16.82% versus a gain of 17.18% for QQQ.
Over three years, GOF compounded at -1.26% per year against +24.55% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -1.75% and +14.22% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.04% annualized vs +0.15%. 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 17.0% for GOF. 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 -62.5% for GOF 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GOF charges 2.44% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $244 vs $18 annually, a gap of $226 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GOF currently yields 20.95% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GOF and QQQ share 83 holdings out of 864 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, GOF or QQQ?
GOF has an expense ratio of 2.44% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $226 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GOF or QQQ?
Over the past year GOF returned -24.99% vs +27.33% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), GOF annualized +0.15% vs +13.04% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GOF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.0% for GOF. Worst drawdown: GOF -62.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GOF and QQQ?
GOF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GOF and QQQ?
GOF and QQQ share 83 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 864 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GOF or QQQ?
GOF yields 20.95% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GOF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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