GSY vs QQQ
GSY vs QQQ
Invesco Ultra Short Duration ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. GSY offers more diversification with 259 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSY | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.22% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.30% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.13% | +14.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.15% | +24.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.32% | +24.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.76% | +14.49% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 12, 2008 | Mar 10, 1999 |
GSY vs QQQ Performance
Invesco Ultra Short Duration ETF (GSY) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year GSY returned +4.15% while QQQ returned +24.70%. Year to date, GSY is up 2.13% versus a gain of 14.45% for QQQ.
Over three years, GSY compounded at +5.32% per year against +24.19% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +3.76% and +14.49% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.98% annualized vs +1.07%. 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 1.0% for GSY. 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 -12.1% for GSY 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSY charges 0.22% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $22 vs $18 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSY currently yields 4.30% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
GSY and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 362 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, GSY or QQQ?
GSY has an expense ratio of 0.22% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSY or QQQ?
Over the past year GSY returned +4.15% vs +24.70% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), GSY annualized +1.07% vs +12.98% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSY or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 1.0% for GSY. Worst drawdown: GSY -12.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both GSY and QQQ?
GSY and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSY and QQQ?
GSY and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 362 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSY or QQQ?
GSY yields 4.30% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so GSY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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