IMCV vs QQQ
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Value ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
IMCV has a lower expense ratio. IMCV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IMCV offers more diversification with 275 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IMCV | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.81% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 275 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +19.41% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.81% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.02% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.34% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2004 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IMCV vs QQQ Performance
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Value ETF (IMCV) 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 IMCV returned +27.81% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, IMCV is up 19.41% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, IMCV compounded at +19.02% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.34% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +8.06%. 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 IMCV. 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 -66.5% for IMCV 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IMCV charges 0.06% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $18 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IMCV currently yields 1.81% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IMCV and QQQ share 22 holdings out of 351 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IMCV or QQQ?
IMCV has an expense ratio of 0.06% while QQQ charges 0.18%. IMCV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IMCV or QQQ?
Over the past year IMCV returned +27.81% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so IMCV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), IMCV annualized +8.06% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IMCV or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.7% for IMCV. Worst drawdown: IMCV -66.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IMCV and QQQ?
IMCV and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IMCV and QQQ?
IMCV and QQQ share 22 common holdings with a 5.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 351 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IMCV or QQQ?
IMCV yields 1.81% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IMCV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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