INTF vs QQQ
iShares International Equity Factor ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
INTF has a lower expense ratio. INTF delivered stronger 1-year returns. INTF offers more diversification with 477 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | INTF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.16% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3.6B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.04% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 506 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +17.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.42% | +26.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.97% | +25.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.90% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 28, 2015 | Mar 10, 1999 |
INTF vs QQQ Performance
iShares International Equity Factor ETF (INTF) 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 INTF returned +27.42% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, INTF is up 14.50% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.
Over three years, INTF compounded at +20.97% per year against +25.51% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.90% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +6.76%. 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 15.1% for INTF. 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 -43.9% for INTF 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
INTF charges 0.16% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $16 vs $18 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, INTF currently yields 3.04% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
INTF and QQQ share 3 holdings out of 577 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, INTF or QQQ?
INTF has an expense ratio of 0.16% while QQQ charges 0.18%. INTF is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, INTF or QQQ?
Over the past year INTF returned +27.42% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so INTF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), INTF annualized +6.76% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, INTF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.1% for INTF. Worst drawdown: INTF -43.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both INTF and QQQ?
INTF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between INTF and QQQ?
INTF and QQQ share 3 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 577 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, INTF or QQQ?
INTF yields 3.04% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so INTF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.