EPOL vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Poland ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. EPOL delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPOL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $850M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.45% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +22.75% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.16% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +38.27% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.58% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2010 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EPOL vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Poland ETF (EPOL) 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 EPOL returned +36.16% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, EPOL is up 22.75% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, EPOL compounded at +38.27% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +19.58% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +4.79%. 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 27.7% for EPOL. 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 -72.4% for EPOL 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPOL 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, EPOL currently yields 3.45% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EPOL and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 135 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, EPOL or QQQ?
EPOL 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, EPOL or QQQ?
Over the past year EPOL returned +36.16% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so EPOL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EPOL annualized +4.79% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPOL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 27.7% for EPOL. Worst drawdown: EPOL -72.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EPOL and QQQ?
EPOL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPOL and QQQ?
EPOL and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 135 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPOL or QQQ?
EPOL yields 3.45% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so EPOL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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