QQQ vs UGE
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares Ultra Consumer Staples
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | UGE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $10M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.09% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 39 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +18.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +5.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +8.95% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | -2.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 29.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -72.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 30, 2007 |
QQQ vs UGE Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares Ultra Consumer Staples (UGE) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while UGE returned +5.56%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 18.50% for UGE.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +8.95% for UGE; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and -2.32% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +10.49%. 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 29.3% for UGE. 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 -72.2% for UGE. 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while UGE charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $95 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 2.09% for UGE.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and UGE share 7 holdings out of 129 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or UGE?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while UGE charges 0.95%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or UGE?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +5.56% for UGE, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +10.49% for UGE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or UGE?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 29.3% for UGE. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs UGE -72.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and UGE?
QQQ and UGE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and UGE?
QQQ and UGE share 7 common holdings with a 6.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 129 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or UGE?
QQQ yields 0.44% while UGE yields 2.09%, so UGE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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