IJT vs QQQ
iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
IJT delivered stronger 1-year returns. IJT offers more diversification with 390 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJT | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $8.4B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.70% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 390 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +21.53% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.22% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.21% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.85% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IJT vs QQQ Performance
iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF (IJT) 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 IJT returned +27.22% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, IJT is up 21.53% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, IJT compounded at +16.21% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +6.85% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +8.96%. 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 19.2% for IJT. 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 -58.0% for IJT 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJT charges 0.18% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $18 annually. On income, IJT currently yields 0.70% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IJT and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 448 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, IJT or QQQ?
IJT 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, IJT or QQQ?
Over the past year IJT returned +27.22% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so IJT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IJT annualized +8.96% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJT or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.2% for IJT. Worst drawdown: IJT -58.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IJT and QQQ?
IJT and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IJT and QQQ?
IJT and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 448 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJT or QQQ?
IJT yields 0.70% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IJT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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