IBTG vs QQQ
iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Treasury ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
IBTG has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IBTG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.91% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 26 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.19% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.85% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.67% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.88% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 25, 2020 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IBTG vs QQQ Performance
iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Treasury ETF (IBTG) 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 IBTG returned +3.85% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, IBTG is up 2.19% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, IBTG compounded at +4.67% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +0.88% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +0.99%. 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 3.3% for IBTG. 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 -13.9% for IBTG 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IBTG charges 0.07% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $18 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IBTG currently yields 3.91% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IBTG and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 123 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, IBTG or QQQ?
IBTG has an expense ratio of 0.07% while QQQ charges 0.18%. IBTG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IBTG or QQQ?
Over the past year IBTG returned +3.85% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), IBTG annualized +0.99% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IBTG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 3.3% for IBTG. Worst drawdown: IBTG -13.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IBTG and QQQ?
IBTG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IBTG and QQQ?
IBTG and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 123 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IBTG or QQQ?
IBTG yields 3.91% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IBTG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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