EQLT vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. EQLT delivered stronger 1-year returns. EQLT offers more diversification with 298 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EQLT | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $12M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.13% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 321 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +25.35% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.02% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.92% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.92% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 4, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EQLT vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF (EQLT) 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 EQLT returned +45.02% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, EQLT is up 25.35% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, EQLT compounded at +2.92% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +2.92% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +3.67%. 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 19.1% for EQLT. 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 -45.8% for EQLT 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EQLT charges 0.35% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $18 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EQLT currently yields 2.13% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EQLT and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 400 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EQLT | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDD | 0.85% | 0.25% | 0.60% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EQLT or QQQ?
EQLT has an expense ratio of 0.35% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EQLT or QQQ?
Over the past year EQLT returned +45.02% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so EQLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), EQLT annualized +3.67% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EQLT or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.1% for EQLT. Worst drawdown: EQLT -45.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EQLT and QQQ?
EQLT and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EQLT and QQQ?
EQLT and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 400 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EQLT or QQQ?
EQLT yields 2.13% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so EQLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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