EWUS vs QQQ
iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. EWUS offers more diversification with 206 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWUS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $41M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.26% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 206 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +9.44% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.05% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.37% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 25, 2012 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EWUS vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF (EWUS) 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 EWUS returned +14.05% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, EWUS is up 9.44% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, EWUS compounded at +14.78% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +1.37% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +6.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.9% 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 -49.3% for EWUS 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWUS 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, EWUS currently yields 3.26% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EWUS and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 303 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, EWUS or QQQ?
EWUS 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, EWUS or QQQ?
Over the past year EWUS returned +14.05% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EWUS annualized +6.88% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWUS or QQQ?
EWUS has been the more volatile fund at 32.9% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: EWUS -49.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EWUS and QQQ?
EWUS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWUS and QQQ?
EWUS and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 303 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWUS or QQQ?
EWUS yields 3.26% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so EWUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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