ISTB vs QQQ
iShares Core 1-5 Year USD Bond ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
ISTB has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. ISTB offers more diversification with 7,038 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISTB | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $5.1B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.26% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 7,038 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +0.98% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.95% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.37% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.03% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2012 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ISTB vs QQQ Performance
iShares Core 1-5 Year USD Bond ETF (ISTB) 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 ISTB returned +2.95% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, ISTB is up 0.98% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, ISTB compounded at +5.37% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +2.03% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +0.96%. 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 2.2% for ISTB. 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 -50.1% for ISTB 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISTB charges 0.06% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $18 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISTB currently yields 4.26% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISTB or QQQ?
ISTB has an expense ratio of 0.06% while QQQ charges 0.18%. ISTB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISTB or QQQ?
Over the past year ISTB returned +2.95% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), ISTB annualized +0.96% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISTB or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 2.2% for ISTB. Worst drawdown: ISTB -50.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ISTB and QQQ?
ISTB and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISTB and QQQ?
ISTB and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2318 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISTB or QQQ?
ISTB yields 4.26% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so ISTB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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