QQQ vs SGOL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF
Quick Verdict
SGOL has a lower expense ratio. SGOL delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SGOL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.17% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $7.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 2 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +4.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +35.00% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +33.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +20.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 16.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -45.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Aberdeen | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Sep 9, 2009 |
QQQ vs SGOL Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) is a ETF from Aberdeen. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while SGOL returned +35.00%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 4.46% for SGOL.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +33.53% for SGOL; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +20.29% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +9.07%. 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 16.8% for SGOL. 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 -45.5% for SGOL. 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 0.10. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SGOL charges 0.17%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $17 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.00% for SGOL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SGOL?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SGOL charges 0.17%. SGOL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SGOL?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +35.00% for SGOL, so SGOL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +9.07% for SGOL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SGOL?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.8% for SGOL. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SGOL -45.5%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SGOL?
QQQ and SGOL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.10, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SGOL?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SGOL yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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