HDGE vs QQQ
AdvisorShares Active Bear ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Which is better, HDGE or QQQ?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.70, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HDGE | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.62% | 0.18%Best |
| AUM | $52M | $483.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.99% | 0.44% |
| Holdings | 64 | 107 |
| YTD Return | -9.97% | +16.87%Best |
| 1Y Return | -5.39% | +22.98%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -9.57% | +24.98%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -7.87% | +14.39%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 17.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -94.7% | -35.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $6,638 | $19,586Best |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Mar 10, 1999 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 27, 2011 to Sep 11, 2026 (15.6 years).
HDGE vs QQQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
HDGE vs QQQ Performance
AdvisorShares Active Bear ETF (HDGE) is an ETF from Advisor Shares and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year HDGE returned -5.39% while QQQ returned +22.98%. Year to date, HDGE is down 9.97% versus a gain of 16.87% for QQQ.
Over three years, HDGE compounded at -9.57% per year against +24.98% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -7.87% and +14.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +17.79% annualized vs -15.92%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HDGE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% compared with 17.4% for QQQ. 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 -35.1% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.70. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
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 3.99% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
At least 1.0% of QQQ's money is in holdings HDGE also owns.
Stated as a floor: for HDGE, our book for it covers 71.3% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
They hold the same names on opposite sides, so owning both offsets the exposure rather than doubling it.
3 positions in common, counted across the 56 positions we hold weights for in HDGE and 102 in QQQ, against full books of 64 and 107.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HDGE and QQQ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $344 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, HDGE or QQQ?
Over the past year HDGE returned -5.39% vs +22.98% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), HDGE annualized -15.92% vs +17.79% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, HDGE or QQQ?
HDGE has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 17.4% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: HDGE -94.7% vs QQQ -35.1%.
Should I hold both HDGE and QQQ?
HDGE and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.70, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, HDGE or QQQ?
HDGE yields 3.99% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so HDGE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QQQ better than HDGE?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.70, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.