IJK vs QQQ
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
IJK has a lower expense ratio. IJK delivered stronger 1-year returns. IJK offers more diversification with 247 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJK | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $10.9B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.52% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 252 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +19.55% | +17.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.64% | +26.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.27% | +25.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.40% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IJK vs QQQ Performance
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF (IJK) 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 IJK returned +28.64% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, IJK is up 19.55% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.
Over three years, IJK compounded at +16.27% per year against +25.51% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.40% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +8.15%. 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 18.1% for IJK. 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 -54.6% for IJK 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJK charges 0.17% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $18 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IJK currently yields 0.52% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IJK and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 350 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, IJK or QQQ?
IJK has an expense ratio of 0.17% while QQQ charges 0.18%. IJK is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IJK or QQQ?
Over the past year IJK returned +28.64% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so IJK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IJK annualized +8.15% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJK or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.1% for IJK. Worst drawdown: IJK -54.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IJK and QQQ?
IJK and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IJK and QQQ?
IJK and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 350 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJK or QQQ?
IJK yields 0.52% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so IJK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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