ICVT vs QQQ
ICVT vs QQQ
iShares Convertible Bond ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. ICVT offers more diversification with 107 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ICVT | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $7.2B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.31% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 375 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +15.68% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.29% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.67% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.87% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 2, 2015 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ICVT vs QQQ Performance
iShares Convertible Bond ETF (ICVT) 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 ICVT returned +26.29% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, ICVT is up 15.68% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, ICVT compounded at +16.67% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +5.87% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +11.16%. 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 14.7% for ICVT. 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 -33.3% for ICVT 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ICVT charges 0.20% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $18 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ICVT currently yields 1.31% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ICVT and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 210 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, ICVT or QQQ?
ICVT has an expense ratio of 0.20% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ICVT or QQQ?
Over the past year ICVT returned +26.29% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), ICVT annualized +11.16% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ICVT or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.7% for ICVT. Worst drawdown: ICVT -33.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ICVT and QQQ?
ICVT and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ICVT and QQQ?
ICVT and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 210 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICVT or QQQ?
ICVT yields 1.31% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so ICVT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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