QQQ vs USG
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs USCF Gold Strategy Plus Income Fund
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. USG delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | USG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $9M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 29.36% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 4 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +1.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +28.13% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 15.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -24.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | USCF Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Nov 8, 2021 |
QQQ vs USG Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and USCF Gold Strategy Plus Income Fund (USG) is a ETF from USCF Investments. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while USG returned +26.36%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 1.85% for USG.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +28.13% for USG. Across the full 5-year window we track, USG has the edge at +17.77% annualized vs +13.02%. 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 15.6% for USG. 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 -24.9% for USG. 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 USG charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $45 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 29.36% for USG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or USG?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while USG charges 0.45%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or USG?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +26.36% for USG, so USG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +17.77% for USG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or USG?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.6% for USG. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs USG -24.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and USG?
QQQ and USG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or USG?
QQQ yields 0.44% while USG yields 29.36%, so USG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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