GUT vs QQQ
Gabelli Utility Trust (The) vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. GUT offers more diversification with 204 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GUT | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.06% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $326M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 19.70% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 204 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +13.98% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.81% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.52% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.77% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 9, 1999 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GUT vs QQQ Performance
Gabelli Utility Trust (The) (GUT) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GUT returned +20.81% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, GUT is up 13.98% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, GUT compounded at +9.52% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +4.77% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +0.86%. 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 19.8% for GUT. 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 -57.6% for GUT 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GUT charges 2.06% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $206 vs $18 annually, a gap of $188 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GUT currently yields 19.70% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GUT and QQQ share 7 holdings out of 288 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GUT or QQQ?
GUT has an expense ratio of 2.06% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $188 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GUT or QQQ?
Over the past year GUT returned +20.81% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), GUT annualized +0.86% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GUT or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.8% for GUT. Worst drawdown: GUT -57.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GUT and QQQ?
GUT and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GUT and QQQ?
GUT and QQQ share 7 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 288 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GUT or QQQ?
GUT yields 19.70% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GUT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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