QQQ vs USNG
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Amplify Samsung US Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. USNG delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | USNG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $10M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.54% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 27 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +23.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +33.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 16.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -11.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Amplify ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | May 20, 2025 |
QQQ vs USNG Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Amplify Samsung US Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF (USNG) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while USNG returned +33.65%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 23.62% for USNG.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 16.8% for USNG. 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 -11.9% for USNG. 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while USNG charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $59 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.54% for USNG.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and USNG share 0 holdings out of 128 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 USNG?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while USNG charges 0.59%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or USNG?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +33.65% for USNG, so USNG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +30.67% for USNG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or USNG?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.8% for USNG. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs USNG -11.9%.
Should I hold both QQQ and USNG?
QQQ and USNG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and USNG?
QQQ and USNG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 128 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or USNG?
QQQ yields 0.44% while USNG yields 1.54%, so USNG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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