GQGU vs QQQ
GQG US Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GQGU | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $642M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.96% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +6.24% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.91% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | GQG Partners LLC | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 31, 2019 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GQGU vs QQQ Performance
GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU) is a ETF from GQG Partners LLC and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GQGU returned +2.91% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, GQGU is up 6.24% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 12.4% for GQGU. 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 -8.4% for GQGU 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 -0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GQGU charges 0.49% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $18 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GQGU currently yields 0.96% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GQGU and QQQ share 12 holdings out of 134 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GQGU or QQQ?
GQGU has an expense ratio of 0.49% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GQGU or QQQ?
Over the past year GQGU returned +2.91% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), GQGU annualized +4.47% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GQGU or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.4% for GQGU. Worst drawdown: GQGU -8.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GQGU and QQQ?
GQGU and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GQGU and QQQ?
GQGU and QQQ share 12 common holdings with a 14.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 134 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GQGU or QQQ?
GQGU yields 0.96% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GQGU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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