IGF vs QQQ
iShares Global Infrastructure 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 | IGF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $10.9B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.90% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 98 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +7.71% | +17.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.31% | +26.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.45% | +26.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.33% | +15.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 10, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IGF vs QQQ Performance
iShares Global Infrastructure ETF (IGF) 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 IGF returned +12.31% while QQQ returned +26.45%. Year to date, IGF is up 7.71% versus a gain of 17.85% for QQQ.
Over three years, IGF compounded at +15.45% per year against +26.07% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.33% and +15.16% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.09% annualized vs +2.28%. 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 16.5% for IGF. 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 -59.5% for IGF 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IGF charges 0.39% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $18 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IGF currently yields 2.90% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IGF and QQQ share 4 holdings out of 177 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IGF or QQQ?
IGF has an expense ratio of 0.39% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IGF or QQQ?
Over the past year IGF returned +12.31% vs +26.45% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), IGF annualized +2.28% vs +13.09% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IGF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.5% for IGF. Worst drawdown: IGF -59.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IGF and QQQ?
IGF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IGF and QQQ?
IGF and QQQ share 4 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 177 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IGF or QQQ?
IGF yields 2.90% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so IGF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.