ISHG vs QQQ
iShares 1-3 Year International Treasury Bond ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. ISHG offers more diversification with 192 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISHG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $825M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.45% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 192 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +1.49% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.81% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.68% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.22% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 21, 2009 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ISHG vs QQQ Performance
iShares 1-3 Year International Treasury Bond ETF (ISHG) 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 ISHG returned +2.81% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, ISHG is up 1.49% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, ISHG compounded at +5.68% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +0.22% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs -0.41%. 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 7.6% for ISHG. 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 -37.6% for ISHG 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISHG charges 0.35% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $18 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISHG currently yields 1.45% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ISHG and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 111 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, ISHG or QQQ?
ISHG has an expense ratio of 0.35% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISHG or QQQ?
Over the past year ISHG returned +2.81% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), ISHG annualized -0.41% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISHG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 7.6% for ISHG. Worst drawdown: ISHG -37.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ISHG and QQQ?
ISHG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISHG and QQQ?
ISHG and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 111 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISHG or QQQ?
ISHG yields 1.45% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so ISHG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.