GSUS vs QQQ
Goldman Sachs MarketBeta US Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
GSUS has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. GSUS offers more diversification with 417 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSUS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3.3B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 417 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.37% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.58% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.73% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.49% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GSUS vs QQQ Performance
Goldman Sachs MarketBeta US Equity ETF (GSUS) 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 GSUS returned +19.58% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, GSUS is up 11.37% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, GSUS compounded at +21.73% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.49% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, GSUS has the edge at +18.46% annualized vs +13.02%. 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 15.7% for GSUS. 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 -25.6% for GSUS 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSUS charges 0.07% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $18 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSUS currently yields 1.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GSUS and QQQ share 89 holdings out of 426 unique holdings combined, representing a 53.1% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GSUS or QQQ?
GSUS has an expense ratio of 0.07% while QQQ charges 0.18%. GSUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSUS or QQQ?
Over the past year GSUS returned +19.58% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), GSUS annualized +18.46% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSUS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.7% for GSUS. Worst drawdown: GSUS -25.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GSUS and QQQ?
GSUS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 GSUS and QQQ?
GSUS and QQQ share 89 common holdings with a 53.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 426 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSUS or QQQ?
GSUS yields 1.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GSUS 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.