IJJ vs QQQ
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IJJ offers more diversification with 309 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJJ | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $9.0B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.58% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 309 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.76% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.10% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.59% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.03% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IJJ vs QQQ Performance
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF (IJJ) 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 IJJ returned +19.10% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, IJJ is up 12.76% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, IJJ compounded at +14.59% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.03% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +8.85%. 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 18.3% for IJJ. 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 -59.6% for IJJ 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJJ charges 0.18% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $18 annually. On income, IJJ currently yields 1.58% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IJJ and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 129 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, IJJ or QQQ?
IJJ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while QQQ charges 0.18%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IJJ or QQQ?
Over the past year IJJ returned +19.10% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IJJ annualized +8.85% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJJ or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.3% for IJJ. Worst drawdown: IJJ -59.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IJJ and QQQ?
IJJ and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IJJ and QQQ?
IJJ and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 129 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJJ or QQQ?
IJJ yields 1.58% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IJJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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