BRLN vs QQQ
iShares Floating Rate Loan Active ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. BRLN offers more diversification with 421 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BRLN | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $54M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.27% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 421 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -1.42% | +17.30% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.12% | +24.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.26% | +26.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2022 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BRLN vs QQQ Performance
iShares Floating Rate Loan Active ETF (BRLN) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BRLN returned -0.12% while QQQ returned +24.93%. Year to date, BRLN is down 1.42% versus a gain of 17.30% for QQQ.
Over three years, BRLN compounded at +5.26% per year against +26.19% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs +6.56%. 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 2.8% for BRLN. 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 -3.9% for BRLN 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRLN charges 0.55% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $18 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BRLN currently yields 6.27% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
BRLN and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 254 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, BRLN or QQQ?
BRLN has an expense ratio of 0.55% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRLN or QQQ?
Over the past year BRLN returned -0.12% vs +24.93% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BRLN annualized +6.56% vs +13.06% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRLN or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 2.8% for BRLN. Worst drawdown: BRLN -3.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BRLN and QQQ?
BRLN and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRLN and QQQ?
BRLN and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 254 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRLN or QQQ?
BRLN yields 6.27% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so BRLN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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