CGUS vs QQQ
CGUS vs QQQ
Capital Group Core Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
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 | CGUS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.33% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $11.2B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.84% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 76 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.20% | +12.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.13% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.29% | +22.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Capital Group (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 22, 2022 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CGUS vs QQQ Performance
Capital Group Core Equity ETF (CGUS) is a ETF from Capital Group (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CGUS returned +18.13% while QQQ returned +22.35%. Year to date, CGUS is up 11.20% versus a gain of 12.48% for QQQ.
Over three years, CGUS compounded at +20.29% per year against +22.30% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, CGUS has the edge at +15.64% annualized vs +12.91%. 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 15.0% for CGUS. 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 -21.9% for CGUS and -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CGUS charges 0.33% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $33 vs $18 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CGUS currently yields 0.84% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CGUS and QQQ share 23 holdings out of 148 unique holdings combined, representing a 39.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in CGUS | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 6.72% | 7.88% | 1.16% |
| AAPL | 2.77% | 7.46% | 4.69% |
| MSFT | 5.57% | 4.65% | 0.92% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings CGUS shares with QQQ Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CGUS or QQQ?
CGUS has an expense ratio of 0.33% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CGUS or QQQ?
Over the past year CGUS returned +18.13% vs +22.35% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), CGUS annualized +15.64% vs +12.91% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CGUS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.0% for CGUS. Worst drawdown: CGUS -21.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CGUS and QQQ?
CGUS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CGUS and QQQ?
CGUS and QQQ share 23 common holdings with a 39.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 148 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CGUS or QQQ?
CGUS yields 0.84% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so CGUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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