EWS vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Singapore ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. EWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.64% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +23.78% | +15.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.25% | +24.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.40% | +25.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +14.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EWS vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Singapore ETF (EWS) 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 EWS returned +25.25% while QQQ returned +24.44%. Year to date, EWS is up 23.78% versus a gain of 15.47% for QQQ.
Over three years, EWS compounded at +28.40% per year against +25.47% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +14.22% respectively. Across the full 28-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.99% annualized vs +1.80%. 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 24.5% for EWS. 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 -75.6% for EWS 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWS 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, EWS currently yields 3.64% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EWS and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 119 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, EWS or QQQ?
EWS 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, EWS or QQQ?
Over the past year EWS returned +25.25% vs +24.44% for QQQ, so EWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (28 years), EWS annualized +1.80% vs +12.99% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 24.5% for EWS. Worst drawdown: EWS -75.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EWS and QQQ?
EWS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWS and QQQ?
EWS and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 119 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWS or QQQ?
EWS yields 3.64% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so EWS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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