QQQ vs YGLD
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Simplify Gold Strategy ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. YGLD delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | YGLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.53% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $39M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 22.33% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 16 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +1.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +40.28% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 39.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -43.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 2, 2024 |
QQQ vs YGLD Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Simplify Gold Strategy ETF (YGLD) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while YGLD returned +40.28%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 1.28% for YGLD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YGLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 39.9% 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 -43.4% for YGLD. 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 0.08. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while YGLD charges 0.53%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $53 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 22.33% for YGLD.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and YGLD 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 YGLD?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while YGLD charges 0.53%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or YGLD?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +40.28% for YGLD, so YGLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +46.34% for YGLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or YGLD?
YGLD has been the more volatile fund at 39.9% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs YGLD -43.4%.
Should I hold both QQQ and YGLD?
QQQ and YGLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.08, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and YGLD?
QQQ and YGLD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or YGLD?
QQQ yields 0.44% while YGLD yields 22.33%, so YGLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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