IQSU vs QQQ
NYLI Candriam US Large Cap Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
IQSU has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IQSU offers more diversification with 268 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IQSU | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $338M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 268 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +15.16% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.60% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.24% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.35% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | INDEXIQ ETF TRUST | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2019 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IQSU vs QQQ Performance
NYLI Candriam US Large Cap Equity ETF (IQSU) is a ETF from INDEXIQ ETF TRUST and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year IQSU returned +25.60% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, IQSU is up 15.16% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, IQSU compounded at +19.24% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.35% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, IQSU has the edge at +15.77% annualized vs +13.03%. 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 17.9% for IQSU. 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 -31.3% for IQSU 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IQSU charges 0.09% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $18 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IQSU currently yields 1.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IQSU and QQQ share 63 holdings out of 304 unique holdings combined, representing a 49.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IQSU or QQQ?
IQSU has an expense ratio of 0.09% while QQQ charges 0.18%. IQSU is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IQSU or QQQ?
Over the past year IQSU returned +25.60% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), IQSU annualized +15.77% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IQSU or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.9% for IQSU. Worst drawdown: IQSU -31.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IQSU and QQQ?
IQSU and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IQSU and QQQ?
IQSU and QQQ share 63 common holdings with a 49.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 304 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IQSU or QQQ?
IQSU yields 1.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IQSU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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