ESGD vs QQQ
iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. ESGD offers more diversification with 379 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESGD | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $12.3B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.25% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 379 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.34% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.90% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.49% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.21% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2016 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ESGD vs QQQ Performance
iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE ETF (ESGD) 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 ESGD returned +19.90% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, ESGD is up 12.34% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, ESGD compounded at +18.49% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.21% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +8.90%. 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 14.9% for ESGD. 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 -36.3% for ESGD 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESGD charges 0.20% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $18 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESGD currently yields 3.25% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESGD or QQQ?
ESGD has an expense ratio of 0.20% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESGD or QQQ?
Over the past year ESGD returned +19.90% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ESGD annualized +8.90% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESGD or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.9% for ESGD. Worst drawdown: ESGD -36.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ESGD and QQQ?
ESGD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESGD and QQQ?
ESGD and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 455 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESGD or QQQ?
ESGD yields 3.25% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so ESGD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.