EFRA vs QQQ
iShares Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFRA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $6M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.07% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +8.27% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.18% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.60% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 1, 2022 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EFRA vs QQQ Performance
iShares Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials ETF (EFRA) 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 EFRA returned +10.18% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, EFRA is up 8.27% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, EFRA compounded at +12.60% per year against +25.75% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, EFRA has the edge at +13.66% annualized vs +13.02%. 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 15.3% for EFRA. 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 -17.9% for EFRA 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFRA charges 0.47% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $18 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFRA currently yields 4.07% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EFRA and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 182 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, EFRA or QQQ?
EFRA has an expense ratio of 0.47% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFRA or QQQ?
Over the past year EFRA returned +10.18% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), EFRA annualized +13.66% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFRA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.3% for EFRA. Worst drawdown: EFRA -17.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EFRA and QQQ?
EFRA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFRA and QQQ?
EFRA and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 182 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFRA or QQQ?
EFRA yields 4.07% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so EFRA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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