EEMA vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. EEMA delivered stronger 1-year returns. EEMA offers more diversification with 779 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EEMA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $831M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.31% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 899 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +19.95% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.90% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.17% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.01% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 8, 2012 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EEMA vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF (EEMA) 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 EEMA returned +37.90% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, EEMA is up 19.95% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, EEMA compounded at +23.17% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.01% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +5.95%. 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 17.1% for EEMA. 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 -44.3% for EEMA 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
EEMA charges 0.49% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $18 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EEMA currently yields 1.31% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EEMA and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 881 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EEMA | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDD | 0.60% | 0.25% | 0.35% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EEMA or QQQ?
EEMA has an expense ratio of 0.49% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EEMA or QQQ?
Over the past year EEMA returned +37.90% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so EEMA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EEMA annualized +5.95% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EEMA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.1% for EEMA. Worst drawdown: EEMA -44.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EEMA and QQQ?
EEMA 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 EEMA and QQQ?
EEMA and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 881 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EEMA or QQQ?
EEMA yields 1.31% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so EEMA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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