AIA vs QQQ
iShares Asia 50 ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. AIA delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AIA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $5.1B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.64% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +36.98% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +68.78% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +38.72% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.30% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 13, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
AIA vs QQQ Performance
iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) 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 AIA returned +68.78% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, AIA is up 36.98% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, AIA compounded at +38.72% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +14.30% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +6.33%. 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 22.3% for AIA. 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 -61.1% for AIA 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIA charges 0.50% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $18 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AIA currently yields 1.64% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
AIA and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 156 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, AIA or QQQ?
AIA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AIA or QQQ?
Over the past year AIA returned +68.78% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so AIA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), AIA annualized +6.33% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 22.3% for AIA. Worst drawdown: AIA -61.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both AIA and QQQ?
AIA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AIA and QQQ?
AIA and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 156 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIA or QQQ?
AIA yields 1.64% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so AIA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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