EZA vs QQQ
iShares MSCI South Africa 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 | EZA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $559M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.88% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.56% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.28% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.29% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.91% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 3, 2003 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EZA vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI South Africa ETF (EZA) 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 EZA returned +26.28% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, EZA is down 0.56% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, EZA compounded at +26.29% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.91% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 24-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +6.49%. 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 25.9% for EZA. 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 -68.2% for EZA 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EZA 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, EZA currently yields 7.88% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
EZA and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 130 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, EZA or QQQ?
EZA 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, EZA or QQQ?
Over the past year EZA returned +26.28% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (24 years), EZA annualized +6.49% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EZA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 25.9% for EZA. Worst drawdown: EZA -68.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EZA and QQQ?
EZA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EZA and QQQ?
EZA and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 130 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EZA or QQQ?
EZA yields 7.88% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so EZA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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