CEMB vs QQQ
iShares JP Morgan EM Corporate Bond ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. CEMB offers more diversification with 147 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CEMB | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $398M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.13% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 1,143 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -1.07% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.65% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.02% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.09% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 17, 2012 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CEMB vs QQQ Performance
iShares JP Morgan EM Corporate Bond ETF (CEMB) 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 CEMB returned +0.65% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, CEMB is down 1.07% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, CEMB compounded at +6.02% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +1.09% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +3.30%. 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 7.5% for CEMB. 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 -48.2% for CEMB 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CEMB 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, CEMB currently yields 5.13% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CEMB and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 250 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, CEMB or QQQ?
CEMB 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, CEMB or QQQ?
Over the past year CEMB returned +0.65% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), CEMB annualized +3.30% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CEMB or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 7.5% for CEMB. Worst drawdown: CEMB -48.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CEMB and QQQ?
CEMB and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CEMB and QQQ?
CEMB and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 250 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CEMB or QQQ?
CEMB yields 5.13% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so CEMB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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