ISRA vs QQQ
VanEck Israel ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. ISRA delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISRA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $147M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.98% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.93% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.16% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.47% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2013 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ISRA vs QQQ Performance
VanEck Israel ETF (ISRA) is a ETF from VanEck and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year ISRA returned +33.93% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, ISRA is up 11.98% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, ISRA compounded at +26.16% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.47% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +8.88%. 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 17.6% for ISRA. 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 -45.0% for ISRA 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISRA charges 0.59% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $18 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISRA currently yields 1.40% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ISRA and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 181 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ISRA | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PANW | 13.38% | 1.30% | 12.08% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISRA or QQQ?
ISRA has an expense ratio of 0.59% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISRA or QQQ?
Over the past year ISRA returned +33.93% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so ISRA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), ISRA annualized +8.88% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISRA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.6% for ISRA. Worst drawdown: ISRA -45.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ISRA and QQQ?
ISRA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISRA and QQQ?
ISRA and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 181 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISRA or QQQ?
ISRA yields 1.40% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so ISRA 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.