EPU vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. EPU delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPU | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $543M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.95% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +26.83% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +78.93% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +48.20% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +36.02% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2009 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EPU vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF (EPU) 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 EPU returned +78.93% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, EPU is up 26.83% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, EPU compounded at +48.20% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +36.02% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +9.36%. 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 24.6% for EPU. 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 -64.6% for EPU 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPU charges 0.59% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $18 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EPU currently yields 1.95% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EPU and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 128 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, EPU or QQQ?
EPU has an expense ratio of 0.59% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EPU or QQQ?
Over the past year EPU returned +78.93% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so EPU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), EPU annualized +9.36% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPU or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 24.6% for EPU. Worst drawdown: EPU -64.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EPU and QQQ?
EPU and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPU and QQQ?
EPU and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 128 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPU or QQQ?
EPU yields 1.95% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so EPU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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