INEQ vs QQQ
Columbia International Equity Income ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | INEQ | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $92M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.32% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 105 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +14.95% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.60% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.49% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.78% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 13, 2016 | Mar 10, 1999 |
INEQ vs QQQ Performance
Columbia International Equity Income ETF (INEQ) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year INEQ returned +24.60% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, INEQ is up 14.95% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, INEQ compounded at +22.49% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +13.78% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +8.17%. 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 15.4% for INEQ. 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 -47.2% for INEQ 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
INEQ charges 0.45% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $18 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, INEQ currently yields 9.32% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
INEQ and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 201 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, INEQ or QQQ?
INEQ has an expense ratio of 0.45% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, INEQ or QQQ?
Over the past year INEQ returned +24.60% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), INEQ annualized +8.17% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, INEQ or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.4% for INEQ. Worst drawdown: INEQ -47.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both INEQ and QQQ?
INEQ and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between INEQ and QQQ?
INEQ and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 201 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, INEQ or QQQ?
INEQ yields 9.32% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so INEQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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