EWL vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Switzerland 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 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.70% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 46 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +7.50% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.84% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.13% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.72% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EWL vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF (EWL) 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 EWL returned +16.84% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, EWL is up 7.50% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, EWL compounded at +14.13% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +6.72% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +5.90%. 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 16.9% for EWL. 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 -54.7% for EWL 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWL 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, EWL currently yields 1.70% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EWL and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 142 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EWL | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROP | 13.83% | 0.17% | 13.66% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWL or QQQ?
EWL 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, EWL or QQQ?
Over the past year EWL returned +16.84% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), EWL annualized +5.90% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.9% for EWL. Worst drawdown: EWL -54.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EWL and QQQ?
EWL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWL and QQQ?
EWL and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 142 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWL or QQQ?
EWL yields 1.70% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so EWL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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