EMXC vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. EMXC delivered stronger 1-year returns. EMXC offers more diversification with 644 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMXC | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $24.8B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.13% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 644 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +31.51% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +54.93% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.70% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.18% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 18, 2017 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EMXC vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC) 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 EMXC returned +54.93% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, EMXC is up 31.51% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, EMXC compounded at +26.70% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.18% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +7.68%. 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 19.0% for EMXC. 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 -46.1% for EMXC 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMXC charges 0.25% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $18 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMXC currently yields 2.13% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EMXC and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 683 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, EMXC or QQQ?
EMXC has an expense ratio of 0.25% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMXC or QQQ?
Over the past year EMXC returned +54.93% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so EMXC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), EMXC annualized +7.68% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMXC or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.0% for EMXC. Worst drawdown: EMXC -46.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EMXC and QQQ?
EMXC and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMXC and QQQ?
EMXC and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 683 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMXC or QQQ?
EMXC yields 2.13% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so EMXC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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