ION vs QQQ
Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. ION delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ION | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $13M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.61% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -1.32% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +56.94% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.88% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 29, 2022 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ION vs QQQ Performance
Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF (ION) is a ETF from ProShares and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year ION returned +56.94% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, ION is down 1.32% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, ION compounded at +16.88% per year against +26.64% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +7.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ION has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.2% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -52.2% for ION 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ION charges 0.58% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $18 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ION currently yields 1.61% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ION and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 154 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, ION or QQQ?
ION has an expense ratio of 0.58% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ION or QQQ?
Over the past year ION returned +56.94% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so ION leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), ION annualized +7.73% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ION or QQQ?
ION has been the more volatile fund at 31.2% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: ION -52.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ION and QQQ?
ION and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ION and QQQ?
ION and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 154 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ION or QQQ?
ION yields 1.61% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so ION currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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