ISTM vs QQQ
iShares Strategic Metals ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. ISTM delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISTM | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $31M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 14.27% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 62 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +9.73% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +51.54% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +35.62% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 26, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ISTM vs QQQ Performance
iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) 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 ISTM returned +51.54% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, ISTM is up 9.73% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, ISTM compounded at +35.62% per year against +25.96% for QQQ. Across the full 3-year window we track, ISTM has the edge at +35.62% 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 23.2% for ISTM. 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 -22.5% for ISTM 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 0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISTM charges 0.47% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $18 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISTM currently yields 14.27% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ISTM and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 104 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, ISTM or QQQ?
ISTM has an expense ratio of 0.47% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISTM or QQQ?
Over the past year ISTM returned +51.54% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so ISTM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ISTM annualized +35.62% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISTM or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 23.2% for ISTM. Worst drawdown: ISTM -22.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ISTM and QQQ?
ISTM and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISTM and QQQ?
ISTM and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISTM or QQQ?
ISTM yields 14.27% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so ISTM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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