QQQ vs USE
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs USCF Energy Commodity Strategy Absolute Return Fund
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | USE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $6M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 2.63% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +18.20% | +33.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.63% | +13.46% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.54% | +9.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 33.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -28.2% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | USCF Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 3, 2023 |
QQQ vs USE Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and USCF Energy Commodity Strategy Absolute Return Fund (USE) is a ETF from USCF Investments. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% while USE returned +13.46%. Year to date, QQQ is up 18.20% versus a gain of 33.60% for USE.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.54% per year against +9.40% for USE. Across the full 3-year window we track, USE has the edge at +14.27% annualized vs +13.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.8% 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 -28.2% for USE. 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 -0.18. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while USE charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $79 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 2.63% for USE.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and USE share 0 holdings out of 104 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 USE?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while USE charges 0.79%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or USE?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.63% vs +13.46% for USE, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +13.11% vs +14.27% for USE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or USE?
USE has been the more volatile fund at 33.8% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs USE -28.2%.
Should I hold both QQQ and USE?
QQQ and USE have a monthly-return correlation of -0.18, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and USE?
QQQ and USE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or USE?
QQQ yields 0.41% while USE yields 2.63%, so USE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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