IOO vs QQQ
iShares Global 100 ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. IOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. IOO offers more diversification with 117 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IOO | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $9.5B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.84% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 117 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +13.26% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.34% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.54% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.93% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2000 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IOO vs QQQ Performance
iShares Global 100 ETF (IOO) 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 IOO returned +27.34% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, IOO is up 13.26% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, IOO compounded at +25.54% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +15.93% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +5.81%. 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 15.8% for IOO. 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 -57.9% for IOO 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IOO charges 0.40% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $18 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IOO currently yields 0.84% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IOO and QQQ share 17 holdings out of 187 unique holdings combined, representing a 42.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IOO or QQQ?
IOO has an expense ratio of 0.40% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IOO or QQQ?
Over the past year IOO returned +27.34% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so IOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IOO annualized +5.81% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IOO or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.8% for IOO. Worst drawdown: IOO -57.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IOO and QQQ?
IOO and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IOO and QQQ?
IOO and QQQ share 17 common holdings with a 42.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 187 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IOO or QQQ?
IOO yields 0.84% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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