HDGE vs QQQ
AdvisorShares Ranger Equity Bear ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HDGE | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.62% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $51M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.70% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 64 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -11.71% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | -10.86% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -9.94% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -8.68% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -94.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Mar 10, 1999 |
HDGE vs QQQ Performance
AdvisorShares Ranger Equity Bear ETF (HDGE) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year HDGE returned -10.86% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, HDGE is down 11.71% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, HDGE compounded at -9.94% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -8.68% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs -16.08%. 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 20.8% for HDGE. 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 -94.7% for HDGE 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 -0.70. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HDGE charges 3.62% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $362 vs $18 annually, a gap of $344 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HDGE currently yields 3.70% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
HDGE and QQQ share 6 holdings out of 158 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HDGE or QQQ?
HDGE has an expense ratio of 3.62% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $344 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HDGE or QQQ?
Over the past year HDGE returned -10.86% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), HDGE annualized -16.08% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HDGE or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.8% for HDGE. Worst drawdown: HDGE -94.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both HDGE and QQQ?
HDGE and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HDGE and QQQ?
HDGE and QQQ share 6 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 158 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HDGE or QQQ?
HDGE yields 3.70% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so HDGE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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