GUG vs QQQ
Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. GUG offers more diversification with 1,262 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GUG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.22% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $547M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.71% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 1,262 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +4.74% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.66% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.34% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Guggenheim Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 23, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GUG vs QQQ Performance
Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund (GUG) is a ETF from Guggenheim Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GUG returned +6.66% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, GUG is up 4.74% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, GUG compounded at +13.34% per year against +25.96% for QQQ. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +3.34%. 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 15.5% for GUG. 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 -32.8% for GUG 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GUG charges 2.22% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $222 vs $18 annually, a gap of $204 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GUG currently yields 8.71% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GUG or QQQ?
GUG has an expense ratio of 2.22% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $204 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GUG or QQQ?
Over the past year GUG returned +6.66% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), GUG annualized +3.34% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GUG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.5% for GUG. Worst drawdown: GUG -32.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GUG and QQQ?
GUG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GUG and QQQ?
GUG and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 877 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GUG or QQQ?
GUG yields 8.71% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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