IBTL vs QQQ
iSHARES iBONDS DEC 2031 TERM TREASURY ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
IBTL has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IBTL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $677M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.96% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.38% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.80% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.18% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.46% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IBTL vs QQQ Performance
iSHARES iBONDS DEC 2031 TERM TREASURY ETF (IBTL) 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 IBTL returned +1.80% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, IBTL is down 0.38% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, IBTL compounded at +4.18% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -1.46% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs -1.46%. 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 7.3% for IBTL. 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 -20.8% for IBTL 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
IBTL 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, IBTL currently yields 3.96% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IBTL and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 119 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, IBTL or QQQ?
IBTL has an expense ratio of 0.07% while QQQ charges 0.18%. IBTL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IBTL or QQQ?
Over the past year IBTL returned +1.80% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), IBTL annualized -1.46% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IBTL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 7.3% for IBTL. Worst drawdown: IBTL -20.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IBTL and QQQ?
IBTL 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 IBTL and QQQ?
IBTL and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 119 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IBTL or QQQ?
IBTL yields 3.96% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IBTL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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