GSIE vs QQQ
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. GSIE offers more diversification with 673 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSIE | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $6.1B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.50% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 673 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +13.84% | +16.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.07% | +25.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.35% | +25.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.38% | +14.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 6, 2015 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GSIE vs QQQ Performance
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF (GSIE) is a ETF from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GSIE returned +22.07% while QQQ returned +25.22%. Year to date, GSIE is up 13.84% versus a gain of 16.19% for QQQ.
Over three years, GSIE compounded at +19.35% per year against +25.47% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.38% and +14.34% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.01% annualized vs +7.97%. 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 14.5% for GSIE. 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 -37.2% for GSIE 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSIE charges 0.25% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $18 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSIE currently yields 2.50% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GSIE and QQQ share 4 holdings out of 737 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GSIE or QQQ?
GSIE has an expense ratio of 0.25% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSIE or QQQ?
Over the past year GSIE returned +22.07% vs +25.22% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), GSIE annualized +7.97% vs +13.01% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSIE or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.5% for GSIE. Worst drawdown: GSIE -37.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GSIE and QQQ?
GSIE and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSIE and QQQ?
GSIE and QQQ share 4 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 737 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSIE or QQQ?
GSIE yields 2.50% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GSIE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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