QQQ vs RING
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. RING delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | RING | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.39% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $2.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 1.40% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 54 | |
| YTD Return | +19.68% | +4.98% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.75% | +57.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.25% | +52.92% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.39% | +25.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 37.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -80.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 31, 2012 |
QQQ vs RING Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (RING) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% while RING returned +57.39%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.68% versus a gain of 4.98% for RING.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.25% per year against +52.92% for RING; over five years the annualized figures are +15.39% and +25.47% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +3.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RING has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.9% 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 -83.0% for QQQ and -80.2% for RING. 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 0.16. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RING charges 0.39%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $39 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 1.40% for RING.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RING share 0 holdings out of 146 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, QQQ or RING?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RING charges 0.39%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or RING?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% vs +57.39% for RING, so RING leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), QQQ annualized +13.15% vs +3.53% for RING. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RING?
RING has been the more volatile fund at 37.9% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RING -80.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RING?
QQQ and RING have a monthly-return correlation of 0.16, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RING?
QQQ and RING share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 146 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RING?
QQQ yields 0.41% while RING yields 1.40%, so RING currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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