KOLD vs QQQ
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KOLD | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $110M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -19.23% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | -16.57% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.83% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -30.34% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 97.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2011 | Mar 10, 1999 |
KOLD vs QQQ Performance
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas (KOLD) is a ETF from ProShares and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year KOLD returned -16.57% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, KOLD is down 19.23% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, KOLD compounded at +7.83% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -30.34% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs -11.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KOLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 97.5% compared with 30.6% 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 -99.5% for KOLD 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 -0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KOLD charges 0.95% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $18 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KOLD currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
KOLD and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 104 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, KOLD or QQQ?
KOLD has an expense ratio of 0.95% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KOLD or QQQ?
Over the past year KOLD returned -16.57% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), KOLD annualized -11.41% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KOLD or QQQ?
KOLD has been the more volatile fund at 97.5% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: KOLD -99.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both KOLD and QQQ?
KOLD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KOLD and QQQ?
KOLD and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KOLD or QQQ?
KOLD yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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