IQDF vs QQQ
FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. IQDF delivered stronger 1-year returns. IQDF offers more diversification with 265 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IQDF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.98% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 265 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +17.51% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.61% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.64% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.28% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 12, 2013 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IQDF vs QQQ Performance
FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund (IQDF) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year IQDF returned +29.61% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, IQDF is up 17.51% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, IQDF compounded at +24.64% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.28% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 15.0% for IQDF. 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 -47.3% for IQDF 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IQDF charges 0.47% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $18 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IQDF currently yields 2.98% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IQDF and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 288 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IQDF | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROP | 1.24% | 0.17% | 1.07% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IQDF or QQQ?
IQDF has an expense ratio of 0.47% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IQDF or QQQ?
Over the past year IQDF returned +29.61% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so IQDF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), IQDF annualized +4.89% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IQDF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.0% for IQDF. Worst drawdown: IQDF -47.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IQDF and QQQ?
IQDF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IQDF and QQQ?
IQDF and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 288 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IQDF or QQQ?
IQDF yields 2.98% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IQDF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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