ISWN vs QQQ
Amplify BlackSwan ISWN ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Which is better, ISWN or QQQ?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Growth.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISWN | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.18%Best |
| AUM | $37M | $483.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.84% | 0.44% |
| Holdings | 28 | 107 |
| YTD Return | +1.17% | +21.71%Best |
| 1Y Return | +5.14% | +25.89%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.59% | +28.80%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.03% | +15.67%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6%Best | 20.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -32.4%Best | -35.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,496 | $20,706Best |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 26, 2021 to Sep 25, 2026 (5.7 years).
ISWN vs QQQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.7 years both funds cover.
ISWN vs QQQ Performance
Amplify BlackSwan ISWN ETF (ISWN) is an ETF from Amplify ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year ISWN returned +5.14% while QQQ returned +25.89%. Year to date, ISWN is up 1.17% versus a gain of 21.71% for QQQ.
Over three years, ISWN compounded at +9.59% per year against +28.80% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -1.03% and +15.67% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +16.20% annualized vs -0.50%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% compared with 12.6% for ISWN. 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 -32.4% for ISWN and -35.1% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.57. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISWN charges 0.49% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $18 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISWN currently yields 2.84% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 9 holdings in ISWN and 102 in QQQ, totalling 67.3% and 99.9% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 9 positions we hold weights for in ISWN and 102 in QQQ, against full books of 28 and 107.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of ISWN and QQQ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISWN or QQQ?
ISWN has an expense ratio of 0.49% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $31 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, ISWN or QQQ?
Over the past year ISWN returned +5.14% vs +25.89% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), ISWN annualized -0.50% vs +16.20% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, ISWN or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 12.6% for ISWN. Worst drawdown: ISWN -32.4% vs QQQ -35.1%.
Should I hold both ISWN and QQQ?
ISWN and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISWN or QQQ?
ISWN yields 2.84% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so ISWN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QQQ better than ISWN?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.