ICAP vs QQQ
Infrastructure Capital Equity Income 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ICAP | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.47% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $118M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.77% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 175 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.09% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.99% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.12% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Infrastructure Capital Advisors, LLC | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 28, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ICAP vs QQQ Performance
Infrastructure Capital Equity Income ETF (ICAP) is a ETF from Infrastructure Capital Advisors, LLC and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year ICAP returned +20.99% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, ICAP is up 12.09% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, ICAP compounded at +18.12% per year against +26.25% for QQQ. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +8.94%. 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 19.6% for ICAP. 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 -24.2% for ICAP 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ICAP charges 2.47% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $247 vs $18 annually, a gap of $229 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ICAP currently yields 10.77% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ICAP and QQQ share 12 holdings out of 176 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ICAP or QQQ?
ICAP has an expense ratio of 2.47% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $229 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ICAP or QQQ?
Over the past year ICAP returned +20.99% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ICAP annualized +8.94% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ICAP or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.6% for ICAP. Worst drawdown: ICAP -24.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ICAP and QQQ?
ICAP and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ICAP and QQQ?
ICAP and QQQ share 12 common holdings with a 16.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 176 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICAP or QQQ?
ICAP yields 10.77% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so ICAP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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