GUSA vs QQQ
Goldman Sachs MarketBeta US 1000 Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
GUSA has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. GUSA offers more diversification with 1,009 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GUSA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.10% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.99% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 1,009 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.88% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.78% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.68% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 5, 2022 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GUSA vs QQQ Performance
Goldman Sachs MarketBeta US 1000 Equity ETF (GUSA) 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 GUSA returned +21.78% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, GUSA is up 12.88% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, GUSA compounded at +21.68% per year against +25.96% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, GUSA has the edge at +14.66% 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 15.5% for GUSA. 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 -19.6% for GUSA 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
GUSA charges 0.10% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $10 vs $18 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GUSA currently yields 0.99% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GUSA and QQQ share 93 holdings out of 904 unique holdings combined, representing a 48.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GUSA or QQQ?
GUSA has an expense ratio of 0.10% while QQQ charges 0.18%. GUSA is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GUSA or QQQ?
Over the past year GUSA returned +21.78% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GUSA annualized +14.66% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GUSA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.5% for GUSA. Worst drawdown: GUSA -19.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GUSA and QQQ?
GUSA 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 GUSA and QQQ?
GUSA and QQQ share 93 common holdings with a 48.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 904 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GUSA or QQQ?
GUSA yields 0.99% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GUSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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