GSLC vs QQQ
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Large Cap Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
GSLC has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. GSLC offers more diversification with 438 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSLC | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $15.5B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.95% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 438 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.91% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.38% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.63% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.62% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 17, 2015 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GSLC vs QQQ Performance
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Large Cap Equity ETF (GSLC) 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 GSLC returned +18.38% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, GSLC is up 10.91% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, GSLC compounded at +20.63% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.62% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, GSLC has the edge at +13.28% annualized vs +13.03%. 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 14.9% for GSLC. 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 -33.7% for GSLC 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSLC charges 0.09% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $18 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSLC currently yields 0.95% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GSLC and QQQ share 80 holdings out of 448 unique holdings combined, representing a 46.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GSLC or QQQ?
GSLC has an expense ratio of 0.09% while QQQ charges 0.18%. GSLC is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSLC or QQQ?
Over the past year GSLC returned +18.38% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), GSLC annualized +13.28% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSLC or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.9% for GSLC. Worst drawdown: GSLC -33.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GSLC and QQQ?
GSLC and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between GSLC and QQQ?
GSLC and QQQ share 80 common holdings with a 46.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 448 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSLC or QQQ?
GSLC yields 0.95% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GSLC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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