ISVL vs QQQ
iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. ISVL offers more diversification with 538 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISVL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $335M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.06% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 538 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +13.77% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.75% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.12% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.78% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 23, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ISVL vs QQQ Performance
iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL) 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 ISVL returned +25.75% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, ISVL is up 13.77% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, ISVL compounded at +24.12% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.78% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +12.22%. 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 16.6% for ISVL. 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 -30.5% for ISVL 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISVL charges 0.31% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $18 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISVL currently yields 3.06% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ISVL and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 611 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, ISVL or QQQ?
ISVL has an expense ratio of 0.31% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISVL or QQQ?
Over the past year ISVL returned +25.75% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ISVL annualized +12.22% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISVL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.6% for ISVL. Worst drawdown: ISVL -30.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ISVL and QQQ?
ISVL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISVL and QQQ?
ISVL and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 611 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISVL or QQQ?
ISVL yields 3.06% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so ISVL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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