EMXF vs QQQ
iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
EMXF has a lower expense ratio. EMXF delivered stronger 1-year returns. EMXF offers more diversification with 650 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMXF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $165M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.81% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 650 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +20.68% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.86% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.27% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.12% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 6, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EMXF vs QQQ Performance
iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EM ETF (EMXF) 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 EMXF returned +33.86% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, EMXF is up 20.68% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, EMXF compounded at +23.27% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.12% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +11.11%. 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 16.4% for EMXF. 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 -33.1% for EMXF 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
EMXF charges 0.17% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $18 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMXF currently yields 2.81% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EMXF and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 675 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, EMXF or QQQ?
EMXF has an expense ratio of 0.17% while QQQ charges 0.18%. EMXF is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMXF or QQQ?
Over the past year EMXF returned +33.86% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so EMXF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), EMXF annualized +11.11% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMXF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.4% for EMXF. Worst drawdown: EMXF -33.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EMXF and QQQ?
EMXF 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 EMXF and QQQ?
EMXF and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 675 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMXF or QQQ?
EMXF yields 2.81% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so EMXF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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