GCV vs QQQ
GCV vs QQQ
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. GCV delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GCV | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.20% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $93M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.07% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 124 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +17.55% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.65% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.94% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.65% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 1995 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GCV vs QQQ Performance
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund (GCV) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GCV returned +33.65% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, GCV is up 17.55% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, GCV compounded at +16.94% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +4.65% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs -0.85%. 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 16.5% for GCV. 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 -70.9% for GCV 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GCV charges 3.20% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $320 vs $18 annually, a gap of $302 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GCV currently yields 10.07% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GCV or QQQ?
GCV has an expense ratio of 3.20% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $302 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GCV or QQQ?
Over the past year GCV returned +33.65% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so GCV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), GCV annualized -0.85% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GCV or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.5% for GCV. Worst drawdown: GCV -70.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GCV and QQQ?
GCV and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GCV and QQQ?
GCV and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 170 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GCV or QQQ?
GCV yields 10.07% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so GCV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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