EWI vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Italy ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. EWI delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.16% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +17.00% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.95% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.90% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.52% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EWI vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Italy ETF (EWI) 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 EWI returned +27.95% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, EWI is up 17.00% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, EWI compounded at +29.90% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +17.52% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +3.48%. 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 23.9% for EWI. 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 -75.1% for EWI 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWI 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, EWI currently yields 3.16% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EWI and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 129 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, EWI or QQQ?
EWI 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, EWI or QQQ?
Over the past year EWI returned +27.95% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so EWI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), EWI annualized +3.48% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWI or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 23.9% for EWI. Worst drawdown: EWI -75.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EWI and QQQ?
EWI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWI and QQQ?
EWI and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 129 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWI or QQQ?
EWI yields 3.16% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so EWI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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