EWZS vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWZS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $208M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.86% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 81 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -3.63% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.13% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -1.13% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.12% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -81.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 28, 2010 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EWZS vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Brazil Small-Cap ETF (EWZS) 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 EWZS returned +4.13% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, EWZS is down 3.63% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, EWZS compounded at -1.13% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -2.12% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs -3.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWZS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.6% 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 -81.7% for EWZS 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
EWZS charges 0.60% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $18 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWZS currently yields 3.86% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EWZS and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 175 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, EWZS or QQQ?
EWZS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWZS or QQQ?
Over the past year EWZS returned +4.13% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EWZS annualized -3.24% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWZS or QQQ?
EWZS has been the more volatile fund at 33.6% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: EWZS -81.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EWZS and QQQ?
EWZS 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 EWZS and QQQ?
EWZS and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 175 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWZS or QQQ?
EWZS yields 3.86% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so EWZS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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