OUNZ vs QQQ
VanEck Merk Gold ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. OUNZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | OUNZ | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +6.43% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.94% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.19% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.39% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 16, 2014 | Mar 10, 1999 |
OUNZ vs QQQ Performance
VanEck Merk Gold ETF (OUNZ) is a ETF from VanEck and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year OUNZ returned +37.94% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, OUNZ is up 6.43% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, OUNZ compounded at +34.19% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +20.39% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +10.57%. 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 15.8% for OUNZ. 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 -26.3% for OUNZ 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 0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
OUNZ charges 0.25% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $18 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, OUNZ currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, OUNZ or QQQ?
OUNZ has an expense ratio of 0.25% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, OUNZ or QQQ?
Over the past year OUNZ returned +37.94% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so OUNZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), OUNZ annualized +10.57% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, OUNZ or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.8% for OUNZ. Worst drawdown: OUNZ -26.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both OUNZ and QQQ?
OUNZ and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, OUNZ or QQQ?
OUNZ yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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