EPP vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPP | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.51% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +15.14% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.35% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.69% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.66% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2001 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EPP vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF (EPP) 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 EPP returned +19.35% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, EPP is up 15.14% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, EPP compounded at +15.69% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +6.66% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +6.07%. 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 19.5% for EPP. 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 -67.7% for EPP 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPP charges 0.47% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $18 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EPP currently yields 3.51% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EPP and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 197 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, EPP or QQQ?
EPP has an expense ratio of 0.47% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EPP or QQQ?
Over the past year EPP returned +19.35% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), EPP annualized +6.07% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPP or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.5% for EPP. Worst drawdown: EPP -67.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EPP and QQQ?
EPP and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPP and QQQ?
EPP and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 197 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPP or QQQ?
EPP yields 3.51% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so EPP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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