IGRO vs QQQ
iShares International Dividend Growth ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
IGRO has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IGRO offers more diversification with 584 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IGRO | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.62% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 584 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.86% | +17.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.87% | +26.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.99% | +26.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.96% | +15.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 17, 2016 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IGRO vs QQQ Performance
iShares International Dividend Growth ETF (IGRO) 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 IGRO returned +18.87% while QQQ returned +26.39%. Year to date, IGRO is up 10.86% versus a gain of 17.07% for QQQ.
Over three years, IGRO compounded at +17.99% per year against +26.08% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.96% and +15.18% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.05% annualized vs +7.99%. 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 IGRO. 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 -37.0% for IGRO 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IGRO charges 0.15% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $18 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IGRO currently yields 2.62% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IGRO and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 625 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 IGRO | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROP | 2.77% | 0.17% | 2.60% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IGRO or QQQ?
IGRO has an expense ratio of 0.15% while QQQ charges 0.18%. IGRO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IGRO or QQQ?
Over the past year IGRO returned +18.87% vs +26.39% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), IGRO annualized +7.99% vs +13.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IGRO or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.7% for IGRO. Worst drawdown: IGRO -37.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IGRO and QQQ?
IGRO and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IGRO and QQQ?
IGRO and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 625 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IGRO or QQQ?
IGRO yields 2.62% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IGRO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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