EWK vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Belgium ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWK | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $162M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.82% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.73% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.05% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.70% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.32% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EWK vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (EWK) 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 EWK returned +20.05% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, EWK is up 10.73% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, EWK compounded at +15.70% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +6.32% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +2.47%. 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 20.7% for EWK. 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 -76.5% for EWK 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWK charges 0.49% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $18 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWK currently yields 1.82% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EWK and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 142 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, EWK or QQQ?
EWK has an expense ratio of 0.49% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWK or QQQ?
Over the past year EWK returned +20.05% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), EWK annualized +2.47% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWK or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.7% for EWK. Worst drawdown: EWK -76.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EWK and QQQ?
EWK and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWK and QQQ?
EWK and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 142 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWK or QQQ?
EWK yields 1.82% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so EWK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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