EWX vs QQQ
State Street SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Small Cap ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. EWX offers more diversification with 3,452 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWX | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $702M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.73% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 3,452 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +9.41% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.74% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.10% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.12% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 2008 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EWX vs QQQ Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Small Cap ETF (EWX) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year EWX returned +12.74% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, EWX is up 9.41% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, EWX compounded at +13.10% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +7.12% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +2.33%. 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 21.4% for EWX. 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 -63.9% for EWX 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWX charges 0.65% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $18 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWX currently yields 2.73% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EWX and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 3377 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, EWX or QQQ?
EWX has an expense ratio of 0.65% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWX or QQQ?
Over the past year EWX returned +12.74% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), EWX annualized +2.33% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWX or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 21.4% for EWX. Worst drawdown: EWX -63.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EWX and QQQ?
EWX and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWX and QQQ?
EWX and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3377 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWX or QQQ?
EWX yields 2.73% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so EWX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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