GSSC vs QQQ
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. GSSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. GSSC offers more diversification with 1,422 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSSC | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 1,422 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +21.06% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.23% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.89% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.83% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2017 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GSSC vs QQQ Performance
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF (GSSC) 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 GSSC returned +29.23% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, GSSC is up 21.06% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, GSSC compounded at +17.89% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.83% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +10.15%. 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 19.6% for GSSC. 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 -42.5% for GSSC 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
GSSC charges 0.20% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $18 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSSC currently yields 1.05% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GSSC and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 1332 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, GSSC or QQQ?
GSSC has an expense ratio of 0.20% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSSC or QQQ?
Over the past year GSSC returned +29.23% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so GSSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), GSSC annualized +10.15% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSSC or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.6% for GSSC. Worst drawdown: GSSC -42.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GSSC and QQQ?
GSSC 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 GSSC and QQQ?
GSSC and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1332 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSSC or QQQ?
GSSC yields 1.05% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GSSC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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