ACWV vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. ACWV offers more diversification with 437 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACWV | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3.4B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.90% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 437 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +6.53% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.00% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.58% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.64% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2011 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ACWV vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF (ACWV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year ACWV returned +6.00% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, ACWV is up 6.53% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, ACWV compounded at +11.58% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +5.64% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +8.48%. 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 10.0% for ACWV. 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 -28.8% for ACWV 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACWV charges 0.20% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $18 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACWV currently yields 1.90% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ACWV and QQQ share 42 holdings out of 441 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACWV or QQQ?
ACWV has an expense ratio of 0.20% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACWV or QQQ?
Over the past year ACWV returned +6.00% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), ACWV annualized +8.48% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACWV or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.0% for ACWV. Worst drawdown: ACWV -28.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ACWV and QQQ?
ACWV and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ACWV and QQQ?
ACWV and QQQ share 42 common holdings with a 13.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 441 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACWV or QQQ?
ACWV yields 1.90% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so ACWV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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