IAU vs QQQ
ishares Gold Trust vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. IAU delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IAU | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $64.2B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +6.41% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.98% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.19% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.41% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 21, 2005 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IAU vs QQQ Performance
ishares Gold Trust (IAU) 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 IAU returned +37.98% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, IAU is up 6.41% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, IAU compounded at +34.19% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +20.41% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +11.36%. 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 17.4% for IAU. 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 -45.1% for IAU 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 0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IAU charges 0.25% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $18 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IAU currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IAU or QQQ?
IAU has an expense ratio of 0.25% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IAU or QQQ?
Over the past year IAU returned +37.98% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so IAU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), IAU annualized +11.36% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IAU or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.4% for IAU. Worst drawdown: IAU -45.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IAU and QQQ?
IAU and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IAU or QQQ?
IAU yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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