GXC vs QQQ
State Street SPDR S&P China ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. GXC offers more diversification with 1,267 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GXC | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $472M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.19% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 1,267 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -7.93% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.98% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.18% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.60% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 19, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GXC vs QQQ Performance
State Street SPDR S&P China ETF (GXC) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GXC returned -2.98% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, GXC is down 7.93% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, GXC compounded at +11.18% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -1.60% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +3.41%. 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 25.9% for GXC. 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 -72.3% for GXC 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GXC charges 0.59% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $18 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GXC currently yields 2.19% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GXC and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 1334 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GXC | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDD:IE | 2.17% | 0.27% | 1.90% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GXC or QQQ?
GXC has an expense ratio of 0.59% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GXC or QQQ?
Over the past year GXC returned -2.98% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), GXC annualized +3.41% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GXC or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 25.9% for GXC. Worst drawdown: GXC -72.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GXC and QQQ?
GXC and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GXC and QQQ?
GXC and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1334 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GXC or QQQ?
GXC yields 2.19% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so GXC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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