GRX vs QQQ
The Gabelli Healthcare & Wellness RX Trust vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. GRX offers more diversification with 175 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GRX | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.00% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $226M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.46% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 194 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +6.82% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.63% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.05% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.50% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GRX vs QQQ Performance
The Gabelli Healthcare & Wellness RX Trust (GRX) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GRX returned +17.63% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, GRX is up 6.82% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, GRX compounded at +7.05% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +0.50% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +3.06%. 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 18.6% for GRX. 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 -65.0% for GRX 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GRX charges 3.00% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $300 vs $18 annually, a gap of $282 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GRX currently yields 6.46% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GRX and QQQ share 10 holdings out of 268 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GRX or QQQ?
GRX has an expense ratio of 3.00% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $282 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GRX or QQQ?
Over the past year GRX returned +17.63% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), GRX annualized +3.06% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GRX or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.6% for GRX. Worst drawdown: GRX -65.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GRX and QQQ?
GRX and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GRX and QQQ?
GRX and QQQ share 10 common holdings with a 3.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 268 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GRX or QQQ?
GRX yields 6.46% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so GRX 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.