EXI vs QQQ
iShares Global Industrials ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. EXI offers more diversification with 218 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EXI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 238 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +16.87% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.76% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.50% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.52% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2006 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EXI vs QQQ Performance
iShares Global Industrials ETF (EXI) 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 EXI returned +22.76% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, EXI is up 16.87% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, EXI compounded at +21.50% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.52% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +7.77%. 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 18.7% for EXI. 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 EXI 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EXI charges 0.39% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $18 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EXI currently yields 1.06% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EXI and QQQ share 13 holdings out of 308 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EXI or QQQ?
EXI has an expense ratio of 0.39% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EXI or QQQ?
Over the past year EXI returned +22.76% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EXI annualized +7.77% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EXI or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.7% for EXI. Worst drawdown: EXI -63.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EXI and QQQ?
EXI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EXI and QQQ?
EXI and QQQ share 13 common holdings with a 3.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 308 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EXI or QQQ?
EXI yields 1.06% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so EXI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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