QQQ vs UGL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares Ultra Gold
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. UGL delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | UGL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $807M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | -1.74% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +56.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +57.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +30.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 33.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -75.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 1, 2008 |
QQQ vs UGL Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares Ultra Gold (UGL) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while UGL returned +56.76%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a loss of 1.74% for UGL.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +57.88% for UGL; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +30.71% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, UGL has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +13.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UGL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.5% 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 -75.9% for UGL. 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 0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while UGL 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 0.00% for UGL.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and UGL share 0 holdings out of 103 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 UGL?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while UGL 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 UGL?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +56.76% for UGL, so UGL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +13.10% for UGL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or UGL?
UGL has been the more volatile fund at 33.5% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs UGL -75.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and UGL?
QQQ and UGL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and UGL?
QQQ and UGL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or UGL?
QQQ yields 0.44% while UGL 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.