EIRL vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Ireland 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 | EIRL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $79M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.36% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +13.06% | +17.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.21% | +26.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.43% | +26.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.65% | +15.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 5, 2010 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EIRL vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Ireland ETF (EIRL) 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 EIRL returned +23.21% while QQQ returned +26.39%. Year to date, EIRL is up 13.06% versus a gain of 17.07% for QQQ.
Over three years, EIRL compounded at +16.43% per year against +26.08% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.65% and +15.18% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.05% annualized vs +9.32%. 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 19.9% for EIRL. 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 -48.3% for EIRL 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EIRL 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, EIRL currently yields 2.36% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EIRL and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 128 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, EIRL or QQQ?
EIRL 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, EIRL or QQQ?
Over the past year EIRL returned +23.21% vs +26.39% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EIRL annualized +9.32% vs +13.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EIRL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.9% for EIRL. Worst drawdown: EIRL -48.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EIRL and QQQ?
EIRL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EIRL and QQQ?
EIRL and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 128 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EIRL or QQQ?
EIRL yields 2.36% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so EIRL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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