GVI vs QQQ
iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. GVI offers more diversification with 6,117 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GVI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.64% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 6,117 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -1.89% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.10% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.84% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.42% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 5, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GVI vs QQQ Performance
iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF (GVI) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GVI returned -0.10% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, GVI is down 1.89% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, GVI compounded at +3.84% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +0.42% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +2.74%. 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 25.2% for GVI. 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 -39.1% for GVI 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 -0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GVI 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, GVI currently yields 3.64% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GVI and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 2262 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GVI | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TMUS | 0.04% | 0.82% | 0.78% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GVI or QQQ?
GVI 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, GVI or QQQ?
Over the past year GVI returned -0.10% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), GVI annualized +2.74% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GVI or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 25.2% for GVI. Worst drawdown: GVI -39.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GVI and QQQ?
GVI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GVI and QQQ?
GVI and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2262 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GVI or QQQ?
GVI yields 3.64% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GVI 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.