QQQ vs USCI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs United States Commodity Index Fund ETV
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. USCI delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | USCI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 1.05% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $374M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 30 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +36.94% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +40.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +22.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +22.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 14.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -66.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | USCF Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Aug 10, 2010 |
QQQ vs USCI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and United States Commodity Index Fund ETV (USCI) is a ETF from USCF Investments. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while USCI returned +40.70%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 36.94% for USCI.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +22.59% for USCI; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +22.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +4.79%. 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 14.9% for USCI. 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 -66.4% for USCI. 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 0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while USCI charges 1.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $105 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.00% for USCI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and USCI 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 USCI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while USCI charges 1.05%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $87 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or USCI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +40.70% for USCI, so USCI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +4.79% for USCI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or USCI?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.9% for USCI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs USCI -66.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and USCI?
QQQ and USCI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and USCI?
QQQ and USCI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or USCI?
QQQ yields 0.44% while USCI yields 0.00%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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