IJH vs QQQ
iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
IJH has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IJH offers more diversification with 413 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJH | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $128.3B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.19% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 413 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +15.29% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.57% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.68% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.73% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 2000 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IJH vs QQQ Performance
iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH) 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 IJH returned +22.57% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, IJH is up 15.29% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, IJH compounded at +15.68% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.73% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +8.74%. 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 17.7% for IJH. 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 -56.1% for IJH 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJH charges 0.05% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $18 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IJH currently yields 1.19% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IJH and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 497 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, IJH or QQQ?
IJH has an expense ratio of 0.05% while QQQ charges 0.18%. IJH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IJH or QQQ?
Over the past year IJH returned +22.57% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IJH annualized +8.74% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJH or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.7% for IJH. Worst drawdown: IJH -56.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IJH and QQQ?
IJH and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IJH and QQQ?
IJH and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 497 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJH or QQQ?
IJH yields 1.19% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IJH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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