ISCF vs QQQ
iShares International Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. ISCF offers more diversification with 1011 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISCF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $652M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.73% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 1,188 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.95% | +17.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.98% | +26.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.40% | +25.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.98% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 28, 2015 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ISCF vs QQQ Performance
iShares International Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF (ISCF) 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 ISCF returned +18.98% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, ISCF is up 10.95% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.
Over three years, ISCF compounded at +18.40% per year against +25.51% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +7.98% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +7.42%. 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 16.1% for ISCF. 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 -43.6% for ISCF 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISCF charges 0.24% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $18 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISCF currently yields 3.73% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ISCF and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 1114 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISCF or QQQ?
ISCF has an expense ratio of 0.24% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISCF or QQQ?
Over the past year ISCF returned +18.98% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), ISCF annualized +7.42% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISCF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.1% for ISCF. Worst drawdown: ISCF -43.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ISCF and QQQ?
ISCF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISCF and QQQ?
ISCF and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1114 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISCF or QQQ?
ISCF yields 3.73% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so ISCF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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