GSG vs QQQ
iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. GSG delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $941M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 23 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +40.75% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +46.59% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.48% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.60% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -89.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2006 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GSG vs QQQ Performance
iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GSG returned +46.59% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, GSG is up 40.75% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, GSG compounded at +15.48% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +15.60% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs -4.10%. 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 23.4% for GSG. 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 -89.6% for GSG 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSG charges 0.75% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $18 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSG currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GSG and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 105 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, GSG or QQQ?
GSG has an expense ratio of 0.75% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSG or QQQ?
Over the past year GSG returned +46.59% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so GSG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), GSG annualized -4.10% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 23.4% for GSG. Worst drawdown: GSG -89.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GSG and QQQ?
GSG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSG and QQQ?
GSG and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 105 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSG or QQQ?
GSG yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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