EMIF vs QQQ
iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure 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 | EMIF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $13M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.17% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 47 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -3.19% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.60% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.85% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.56% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2009 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EMIF vs QQQ Performance
iShares Emerging Markets Infrastructure ETF (EMIF) 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 EMIF returned +7.60% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, EMIF is down 3.19% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, EMIF compounded at +11.85% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +5.56% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +1.37%. 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 18.2% for EMIF. 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 -54.6% for EMIF 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMIF charges 0.60% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $18 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMIF currently yields 4.17% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EMIF and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 133 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, EMIF or QQQ?
EMIF has an expense ratio of 0.60% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMIF or QQQ?
Over the past year EMIF returned +7.60% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), EMIF annualized +1.37% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMIF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.2% for EMIF. Worst drawdown: EMIF -54.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EMIF and QQQ?
EMIF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMIF and QQQ?
EMIF and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 133 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMIF or QQQ?
EMIF yields 4.17% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so EMIF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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