EWC vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Canada ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. EWC delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWC | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $6.6B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.26% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 89 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +15.38% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.28% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.66% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.94% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EWC vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC) 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 EWC returned +33.28% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, EWC is up 15.38% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, EWC compounded at +24.66% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.94% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +6.43%. 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 20.4% for EWC. 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 -62.7% for EWC 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWC charges 0.50% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $18 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWC currently yields 1.26% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EWC and QQQ share 2 holdings out of 184 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWC or QQQ?
EWC has an expense ratio of 0.50% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWC or QQQ?
Over the past year EWC returned +33.28% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so EWC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), EWC annualized +6.43% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWC or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.4% for EWC. Worst drawdown: EWC -62.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EWC and QQQ?
EWC and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWC and QQQ?
EWC and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 184 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWC or QQQ?
EWC yields 1.26% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so EWC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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