IQSI vs QQQ
NYLI Candriam International Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
IQSI has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IQSI offers more diversification with 648 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IQSI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $275M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.69% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 648 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +13.04% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.02% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.69% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.53% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | INDEXIQ ETF TRUST | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2019 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IQSI vs QQQ Performance
NYLI Candriam International Equity ETF (IQSI) is a ETF from INDEXIQ ETF TRUST and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year IQSI returned +20.02% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, IQSI is up 13.04% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, IQSI compounded at +17.69% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.53% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +9.54%. 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 16.9% for IQSI. 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 -31.9% for IQSI 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IQSI charges 0.15% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $18 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IQSI currently yields 2.69% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IQSI and QQQ share 2 holdings out of 661 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IQSI or QQQ?
IQSI has an expense ratio of 0.15% while QQQ charges 0.18%. IQSI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IQSI or QQQ?
Over the past year IQSI returned +20.02% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), IQSI annualized +9.54% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IQSI or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.9% for IQSI. Worst drawdown: IQSI -31.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IQSI and QQQ?
IQSI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IQSI and QQQ?
IQSI and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 661 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IQSI or QQQ?
IQSI yields 2.69% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IQSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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