IEUS vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IEUS offers more diversification with 859 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IEUS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.41% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $184M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.11% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 859 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +9.62% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.19% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.99% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.16% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IEUS vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF (IEUS) 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 IEUS returned +14.19% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, IEUS is up 9.62% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, IEUS compounded at +15.99% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +3.16% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +3.28%. 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 21.1% for IEUS. 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 -63.3% for IEUS 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IEUS charges 0.41% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $41 vs $18 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IEUS currently yields 3.11% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IEUS and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 920 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, IEUS or QQQ?
IEUS has an expense ratio of 0.41% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IEUS or QQQ?
Over the past year IEUS returned +14.19% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), IEUS annualized +3.28% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IEUS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 21.1% for IEUS. Worst drawdown: IEUS -63.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IEUS and QQQ?
IEUS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IEUS and QQQ?
IEUS and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 920 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IEUS or QQQ?
IEUS yields 3.11% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IEUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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