IDLV vs QQQ
Invesco S&P International Developed Low Volatility ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IDLV offers more diversification with 215 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IDLV | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $345M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.75% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 215 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +8.70% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.98% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.16% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.41% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 13, 2012 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IDLV vs QQQ Performance
Invesco S&P International Developed Low Volatility ETF (IDLV) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year IDLV returned +11.98% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, IDLV is up 8.70% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, IDLV compounded at +15.16% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +6.41% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +4.02%. 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 12.2% for IDLV. 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 -36.4% for IDLV 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IDLV charges 0.25% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $18 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IDLV currently yields 4.75% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IDLV and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 300 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IDLV | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| FER:AS | 0.47% | 0.21% | 0.26% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IDLV or QQQ?
IDLV has an expense ratio of 0.25% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IDLV or QQQ?
Over the past year IDLV returned +11.98% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), IDLV annualized +4.02% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IDLV or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.2% for IDLV. Worst drawdown: IDLV -36.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IDLV and QQQ?
IDLV and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IDLV and QQQ?
IDLV and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 300 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IDLV or QQQ?
IDLV yields 4.75% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IDLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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