QQQ vs. GOLD

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) is Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index, while GOLD (Barrick Mining Corporation) is a stock. At a 0.42 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

QQQ vs. GOLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) and Barrick Mining Corporation (GOLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQQ achieves a 17.57% return, which is significantly lower than GOLD's 31.00% return.

QQQ

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 0.93%
• YTD: 17.57%
• 6M: 17.85%
• 1Y: 35.82%
• 3Y*: 26.43%
• 5Y*: 16.85%
• 10Y*: 21.79%

GOLD

• 1D: 2.17%
• 1M: 7.64%
• YTD: 31.00%
• 6M: 40.62%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

QQQ vs. GOLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	17.57%	-0.34%
GOLD Barrick Mining Corporation	31.00%	13.01%

Correlation

The correlation between QQQ and GOLD is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 2, 2025	0.42

Return for Risk

QQQ vs. GOLD — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 71
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 73
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 70

GOLD

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

QQQ vs. GOLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) and Barrick Mining Corporation (GOLD). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	QQQ	GOLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.09	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.01	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.22	—	—

Drawdowns

QQQ vs. GOLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQQ drawdown since its inception was -82.97%, which is greater than GOLD's maximum drawdown of -40.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQQ and GOLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQ	GOLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.97%	-40.58%	-42.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.96%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.77%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.12%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.12%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.33%	-30.46%	+27.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-32.75%	-18.05%	-14.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.20%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QQQ	GOLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.56%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.81%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.19%	58.55%	-41.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.55%	58.55%	-36.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.38%	58.55%	-36.17%

Dividends

QQQ vs. GOLD - Dividend Comparison

QQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%, less than GOLD's 0.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GOLD Barrick Mining Corporation	0.90%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.39%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQQ and GOLD in my portfolio?

QQQ and GOLD have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.