IBB vs QQQ
iShares Biotechnology ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. IBB delivered stronger 1-year returns. IBB offers more diversification with 253 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IBB | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.44% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $9.4B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.22% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 253 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +17.82% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.39% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.02% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.53% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 5, 2001 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IBB vs QQQ Performance
iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) 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 IBB returned +45.39% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, IBB is up 17.82% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, IBB compounded at +16.02% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +3.53% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +7.27%. 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 22.0% for IBB. 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 -62.9% for IBB 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IBB charges 0.44% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $44 vs $18 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IBB currently yields 0.22% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IBB and QQQ share 5 holdings out of 339 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IBB or QQQ?
IBB has an expense ratio of 0.44% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IBB or QQQ?
Over the past year IBB returned +45.39% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so IBB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IBB annualized +7.27% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IBB or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 22.0% for IBB. Worst drawdown: IBB -62.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IBB and QQQ?
IBB and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IBB and QQQ?
IBB and QQQ share 5 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 339 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IBB or QQQ?
IBB yields 0.22% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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