EWM vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Malaysia 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 | EWM | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $307M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.69% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 26 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +4.83% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.56% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.90% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.55% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -89.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EWM vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Malaysia ETF (EWM) 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 EWM returned +15.56% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, EWM is up 4.83% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, EWM compounded at +13.90% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +6.55% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs -1.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.7% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -89.5% for EWM 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 0.20. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWM 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, EWM currently yields 3.69% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EWM and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 125 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, EWM or QQQ?
EWM 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, EWM or QQQ?
Over the past year EWM returned +15.56% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), EWM annualized -1.50% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWM or QQQ?
EWM has been the more volatile fund at 32.7% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: EWM -89.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EWM and QQQ?
EWM and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWM and QQQ?
EWM and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 125 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWM or QQQ?
EWM yields 3.69% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so EWM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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