IQDY vs QQQ
FlexShares International Quality Dividend Dynamic Index Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. IQDY delivered stronger 1-year returns. IQDY offers more diversification with 252 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IQDY | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $114M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.96% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 252 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +19.89% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.59% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.41% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.35% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 12, 2013 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IQDY vs QQQ Performance
FlexShares International Quality Dividend Dynamic Index Fund (IQDY) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year IQDY returned +35.59% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, IQDY is up 19.89% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, IQDY compounded at +26.41% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +13.35% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +6.59%. 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 17.2% for IQDY. 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 -45.3% for IQDY 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
IQDY 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, IQDY currently yields 2.96% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IQDY or QQQ?
IQDY 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, IQDY or QQQ?
Over the past year IQDY returned +35.59% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so IQDY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), IQDY annualized +6.59% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IQDY or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.2% for IQDY. Worst drawdown: IQDY -45.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IQDY and QQQ?
IQDY 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 IQDY and QQQ?
IQDY and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 299 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IQDY or QQQ?
IQDY yields 2.96% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IQDY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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