EWT vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. EWT delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWT | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $11.5B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.03% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 85 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +60.68% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +85.18% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +39.41% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.55% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 20, 2000 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EWT vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF (EWT) 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 EWT returned +85.18% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, EWT is up 60.68% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, EWT compounded at +39.41% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +19.55% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +7.30%. 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 EWT. 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 -64.0% for EWT 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWT charges 0.59% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $18 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWT currently yields 3.03% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EWT and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 182 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, EWT or QQQ?
EWT has an expense ratio of 0.59% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWT or QQQ?
Over the past year EWT returned +85.18% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so EWT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), EWT annualized +7.30% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWT or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 24.5% for EWT. Worst drawdown: EWT -64.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EWT and QQQ?
EWT and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWT and QQQ?
EWT and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 182 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWT or QQQ?
EWT yields 3.03% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so EWT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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