A side-by-side comparison of Global X NASDAQ-100 Index Corporate Class ETF CAD (HXQ) and Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) to help Canadian investors make an informed decision.
1-Year Performance
Normalised to 100 at the start — shows relative return over the trailing 12 months.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | HXQ | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | +18.94%✓ | -0.88% |
| 1-Day Change | -1.47% | -1.42%✓ |
| 1-Week Change | +1.22% | +1.54%✓ |
| 1-Month Change | -4.48% | -3.30%✓ |
| Current Price | $118.24 | $715.34 |
| AUM | $1.38B | $482.97B✓ |
| MER (Expense Ratio) | 0.25% | 0.17%✓ |
| Dividend Yield | — | 0.42% |
| Distribution Frequency | NA | Quarterly |
| Inception Date | 2016-04-19 | 1999-03-10 |
| Holdings Count | 1 | 101 |
| MorningStar Rating | — | — |
| Category | US Equity | US Equity |
| Beta | 0.00 | 1.26 |
| 52-Week High | $128.37 | $762.86 |
| 52-Week Low | $91.48 | $554.41 |
| 50-Day MA | $120.16 | $725.42 |
| 200-Day MA | $111.37 | $678.72 |
✓ marks the better value for return/yield/AUM metrics. Lower ✓ for MER.
Annualised Returns
| Period | HXQ | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | +18.94%✓ | -0.88% |
| 1 Year | +15.00% | +16.04%✓ |
| 3 Year | +27.42% | +27.86%✓ |
| 5 Year | +14.73% | +15.02%✓ |
| 10 Year | +20.70% | +20.78%✓ |
| 1Y Volatility | 21.91% | 21.91% |
| Sharpe Ratio (3Y) | 1.40 | 1.21 |
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Sector Weights
| Sector | HXQ | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Materials | 1.00% | 1.00% |
| Communication Services | 16.08% | 11.49% |
| Consumer Cyclicals | 13.04% | 10.40% |
| Consumer Defensive | 4.25% | 6.78% |
| Energy | 0.47% | 0.51% |
| Financial Services | 0.35% | 0.21% |
| Healthcare | 4.17% | 4.40% |
| Industrials | 3.19% | 5.51% |
| Real Estate | 0.16% | 0.00% |
| Technology | 53.20% | 60.25% |
| Utilities | 1.36% | 1.15% |
About HXQ
HXQ seeks to replicate, to the extent possible, the performance of the NASDAQ-100® Index (Total Return), net of expenses. The NASDAQ-100® Index (Total Return) includes 100 of the largest domestic and international nonfinancial companies listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market.
About QQQ
To maintain the correspondence between the composition and weights of the securities in the trust (the securities) and the stocks in the NASDAQ-100 Index®, the adviser adjusts the securities from time to time to conform to periodic changes in the identity and/or relative weights of index securities. The composition and weighting of the securities portion of a portfolio deposit are also adjusted to conform to changes in the index.
Which ETF is Right for You?
Both HXQ and QQQ are listed on Canadian exchanges and accessible through most Canadian brokerages including Questrade, Wealthsimple Trade, TD Direct, and Interactive Brokers.
HXQ and QQQ are closely matched on the metrics we track. The right choice depends on your individual investment goals, tax situation, and time horizon.
- Consider your account type (TFSA, RRSP, non-registered) as it can affect dividend taxation.
- Compare management expense ratios (MER) directly on each provider's website.
- Look at average daily trading volume to assess liquidity.
- Review the fund's underlying index and holdings to ensure the exposure matches your goals.
This is not financial advice. Always do your own research or consult a licensed financial advisor before investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between HXQ and QQQ?
HXQ (Global X NASDAQ-100 Index Corporate Class ETF CAD) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ Trust) are both Canadian-listed ETFs. Key differences include their AUM ($1.38B vs $482.97B), dividend yield (N/A vs 0.42%), and year-to-date performance (+18.94% vs -0.88%).
Is HXQ better than QQQ?
There is no single "better" ETF — it depends on your investment goals. If you prioritise recent performance, HXQ has outperformed year-to-date. Always review the fund's prospectus and consider your tax situation.
Can I buy HXQ and QQQ on Wealthsimple?
Most Canadian-listed ETFs are available on Wealthsimple Trade commission-free. Both HXQ and QQQ should be accessible. Check Wealthsimple's supported tickers list to confirm availability.
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