GDMA vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGDMAQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.75%0.18%
AUM$197M$455.8B
Dividend Yield2.48%0.41%
Holdings17108
YTD Return+9.42%+18.20%
1Y Return+19.57%+27.63%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.21%+25.54%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.04%+15.12%
Volatility (annualized)9.9%30.6%
Max Drawdown-16.7%-83.0%
Fund FamilyGadsden FundsInvesco (US)
CategoryAllocation/BalancedEquity
InceptionNov 14, 2018Mar 10, 1999

GDMA vs QQQ Performance

Gadsden Dynamic Multi-Asset ETF (GDMA) is a ETF from Gadsden Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GDMA returned +19.57% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, GDMA is up 9.42% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.

Over three years, GDMA compounded at +15.21% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.04% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +9.11%. 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 9.9% for GDMA. 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 -16.7% for GDMA 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

GDMA charges 0.75% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $18 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDMA currently yields 2.48% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

8.3%overlap

GDMA and QQQ share 10 holdings out of 133 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.3% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in GDMAWeight in QQQDifference
MU1.06%4.67%3.61%
GOOG0.97%3.06%2.09%
INTC0.91%2.29%1.38%
LRCXProProPro
KLACProProPro
SNDKProProPro
STXProProPro
WDCProProPro
TXNProProPro
TERProProPro
See all 10 holdings GDMA shares with QQQ
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, GDMA or QQQ?

GDMA has an expense ratio of 0.75% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.

Which performed better, GDMA or QQQ?

Over the past year GDMA returned +19.57% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), GDMA annualized +9.11% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, GDMA or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 9.9% for GDMA. Worst drawdown: GDMA -16.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both GDMA and QQQ?

GDMA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between GDMA and QQQ?

GDMA and QQQ share 10 common holdings with a 8.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 133 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, GDMA or QQQ?

GDMA yields 2.48% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so GDMA currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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