EWN vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. EWN delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWN | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $729M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.20% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 60 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +19.61% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.19% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.82% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.74% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EWN vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF (EWN) 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 EWN returned +37.19% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, EWN is up 19.61% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, EWN compounded at +22.82% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.74% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +5.25%. 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 20.8% for EWN. 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 -68.2% for EWN 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWN 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, EWN currently yields 4.20% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EWN and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 157 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EWN | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASL:AS | 24.22% | 0.68% | 23.54% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWN or QQQ?
EWN 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, EWN or QQQ?
Over the past year EWN returned +37.19% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so EWN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), EWN annualized +5.25% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWN or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.8% for EWN. Worst drawdown: EWN -68.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EWN and QQQ?
EWN and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWN and QQQ?
EWN and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 157 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWN or QQQ?
EWN yields 4.20% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so EWN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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