QQQ vs UGA
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs United States Gasoline Fund LP
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. UGA delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | UGA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 1.08% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $144M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +17.85% | +93.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.45% | +91.33% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.07% | +16.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.16% | +26.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 36.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -86.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | USCF Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Feb 26, 2008 |
QQQ vs UGA Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and United States Gasoline Fund LP (UGA) is a ETF from USCF Investments. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.45% while UGA returned +91.33%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.85% versus a gain of 93.19% for UGA.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.07% per year against +16.65% for UGA; over five years the annualized figures are +15.16% and +26.50% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.09% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UGA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.8% 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 -86.6% for UGA. 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while UGA charges 1.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $108 annually, a gap of $90 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 0.00% for UGA.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and UGA share 0 holdings out of 105 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 UGA?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while UGA charges 1.08%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $90 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or UGA?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.45% vs +91.33% for UGA, so UGA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), QQQ annualized +13.09% vs +4.86% for UGA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or UGA?
UGA has been the more volatile fund at 36.8% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs UGA -86.6%.
Should I hold both QQQ and UGA?
QQQ and UGA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and UGA?
QQQ and UGA share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 105 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or UGA?
QQQ yields 0.41% while UGA yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.