ILF vs QQQ
iShares Latin America 40 ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. ILF delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ILF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.50% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +9.78% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.66% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.10% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.88% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2001 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ILF vs QQQ Performance
iShares Latin America 40 ETF (ILF) 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 ILF returned +32.66% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, ILF is up 9.78% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, ILF compounded at +14.10% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.88% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +7.36%. 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 26.9% for ILF. 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 -74.4% for ILF 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ILF charges 0.47% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $18 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ILF currently yields 3.50% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ILF and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 145 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, ILF or QQQ?
ILF has an expense ratio of 0.47% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ILF or QQQ?
Over the past year ILF returned +32.66% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so ILF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), ILF annualized +7.36% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ILF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 26.9% for ILF. Worst drawdown: ILF -74.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ILF and QQQ?
ILF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ILF and QQQ?
ILF and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 145 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ILF or QQQ?
ILF yields 3.50% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so ILF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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