GSEW vs QQQ
GSEW vs QQQ
Goldman Sachs Equal Weight US Large Cap Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
GSEW has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. GSEW offers more diversification with 460 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSEW | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.9B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.38% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 500 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +13.95% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.63% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.97% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.78% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2017 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GSEW vs QQQ Performance
Goldman Sachs Equal Weight US Large Cap Equity ETF (GSEW) is a ETF from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GSEW returned +19.63% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, GSEW is up 13.95% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, GSEW compounded at +16.97% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.78% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +12.04%. 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 17.1% for GSEW. 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 -38.6% for GSEW 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSEW charges 0.09% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $18 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSEW currently yields 1.38% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GSEW and QQQ share 89 holdings out of 474 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GSEW | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 0.20% | 7.88% | 7.68% |
| AAPL | 0.23% | 7.46% | 7.23% |
| MSFT | 0.20% | 4.65% | 4.45% |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings GSEW 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, GSEW or QQQ?
GSEW has an expense ratio of 0.09% while QQQ charges 0.18%. GSEW is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSEW or QQQ?
Over the past year GSEW returned +19.63% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), GSEW annualized +12.04% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSEW or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.1% for GSEW. Worst drawdown: GSEW -38.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GSEW and QQQ?
GSEW and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSEW and QQQ?
GSEW and QQQ share 89 common holdings with a 16.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 474 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSEW or QQQ?
GSEW yields 1.38% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so GSEW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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