EMGF vs QQQ
iShares Emerging Markets Equity Factor ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. EMGF delivered stronger 1-year returns. EMGF offers more diversification with 702 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMGF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.9B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.14% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 702 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +20.86% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.24% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.06% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.70% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2015 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EMGF vs QQQ Performance
iShares Emerging Markets Equity Factor ETF (EMGF) 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 EMGF returned +36.24% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, EMGF is up 20.86% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, EMGF compounded at +25.06% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.70% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +10.42%. 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 16.9% for EMGF. 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 -40.2% for EMGF 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMGF charges 0.26% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $26 vs $18 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMGF currently yields 2.14% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EMGF and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 771 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 EMGF | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDD:IE | 0.63% | 0.27% | 0.36% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMGF or QQQ?
EMGF has an expense ratio of 0.26% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMGF or QQQ?
Over the past year EMGF returned +36.24% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so EMGF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), EMGF annualized +10.42% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMGF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.9% for EMGF. Worst drawdown: EMGF -40.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EMGF and QQQ?
EMGF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMGF and QQQ?
EMGF and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 771 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMGF or QQQ?
EMGF yields 2.14% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so EMGF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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