EWO vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Austria ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. EWO delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWO | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $209M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.98% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 26 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +23.50% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.15% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +35.45% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.48% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -77.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EWO vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Austria ETF (EWO) 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 EWO returned +38.15% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, EWO is up 23.50% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, EWO compounded at +35.45% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +17.48% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +5.47%. 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 24.2% for EWO. 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 -77.2% for EWO 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWO 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, EWO currently yields 1.98% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EWO and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 124 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, EWO or QQQ?
EWO 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, EWO or QQQ?
Over the past year EWO returned +38.15% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so EWO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), EWO annualized +5.47% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWO or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 24.2% for EWO. Worst drawdown: EWO -77.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EWO and QQQ?
EWO and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWO and QQQ?
EWO and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 124 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWO or QQQ?
EWO yields 1.98% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so EWO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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