QQQ vs SGDM
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Sprott Gold Miners ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. SGDM delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SGDM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.46% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $653M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.18% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 50 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +23.32% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +71.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +54.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +27.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 38.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -55.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Sprott ETFS | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jul 14, 2014 |
QQQ vs SGDM Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while SGDM returned +71.26%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 23.32% for SGDM.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +54.86% for SGDM; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +27.44% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +11.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SGDM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 38.8% 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 -55.0% for SGDM. 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 SGDM charges 0.46%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $46 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.18% for SGDM.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SGDM share 0 holdings out of 151 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 SGDM?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SGDM charges 0.46%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SGDM?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +71.26% for SGDM, so SGDM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +11.79% for SGDM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SGDM?
SGDM has been the more volatile fund at 38.8% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SGDM -55.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SGDM?
QQQ and SGDM 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 SGDM?
QQQ and SGDM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 151 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SGDM?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SGDM yields 1.18%, so SGDM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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