QQQ vs USSG
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Xtrackers MSCI USA Selection Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
USSG has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. USSG offers more diversification with 269 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | USSG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $599M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.00% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 269 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +13.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +24.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +22.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +13.08% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 16.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -34.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Xtrackers ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Mar 6, 2019 |
QQQ vs USSG Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Xtrackers MSCI USA Selection Equity ETF (USSG) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while USSG returned +24.39%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 13.70% for USSG.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +22.64% for USSG; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +13.08% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, USSG has the edge at +16.49% annualized vs +13.03%. 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 16.9% for USSG. 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 -34.4% for USSG. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while USSG charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $9 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.00% for USSG.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and USSG share 43 holdings out of 323 unique holdings combined, representing a 39.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or USSG?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while USSG charges 0.09%. USSG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or USSG?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +24.39% for USSG, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +16.49% for USSG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or USSG?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.9% for USSG. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs USSG -34.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and USSG?
QQQ and USSG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and USSG?
QQQ and USSG share 43 common holdings with a 39.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 323 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or USSG?
QQQ yields 0.44% while USSG yields 1.00%, so USSG 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.