EWY vs QQQ
iShares MSCI South Korea ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. EWY delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWY | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $28.0B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 84 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +75.84% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +149.49% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +46.06% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.38% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 9, 2000 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EWY vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) 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 EWY returned +149.49% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, EWY is up 75.84% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, EWY compounded at +46.06% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +18.38% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +10.45%. 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 30.5% for EWY. 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 -74.0% for EWY 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWY 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, EWY currently yields 1.30% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EWY and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 181 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, EWY or QQQ?
EWY 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, EWY or QQQ?
Over the past year EWY returned +149.49% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so EWY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), EWY annualized +10.45% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWY or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 30.5% for EWY. Worst drawdown: EWY -74.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EWY and QQQ?
EWY and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWY and QQQ?
EWY and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 181 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWY or QQQ?
EWY yields 1.30% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so EWY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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