ESMV vs QQQ
iShares ESG Optimized MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. ESMV offers more diversification with 160 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESMV | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $8M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.50% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 160 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.13% | +15.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.21% | +24.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.35% | +25.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ESMV vs QQQ Performance
iShares ESG Optimized MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (ESMV) 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 ESMV returned +12.21% while QQQ returned +24.44%. Year to date, ESMV is up 12.13% versus a gain of 15.47% for QQQ.
Over three years, ESMV compounded at +12.35% per year against +25.47% for QQQ. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.99% annualized vs +6.75%. 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 13.0% for ESMV. 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 -19.8% for ESMV 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESMV charges 0.18% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $18 annually. On income, ESMV currently yields 1.50% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ESMV and QQQ share 45 holdings out of 214 unique holdings combined, representing a 23.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESMV or QQQ?
ESMV has an expense ratio of 0.18% while QQQ charges 0.18%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESMV or QQQ?
Over the past year ESMV returned +12.21% vs +24.44% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ESMV annualized +6.75% vs +12.99% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESMV or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.0% for ESMV. Worst drawdown: ESMV -19.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ESMV and QQQ?
ESMV and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESMV and QQQ?
ESMV and QQQ share 45 common holdings with a 23.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 214 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESMV or QQQ?
ESMV yields 1.50% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so ESMV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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