ISWN vs QQQ
Amplify BlackSwan ISWN ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISWN | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $38M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.87% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 14 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +6.41% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.41% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.58% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.28% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ISWN vs QQQ Performance
Amplify BlackSwan ISWN ETF (ISWN) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year ISWN returned +11.41% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, ISWN is up 6.41% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, ISWN compounded at +10.58% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -0.28% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +0.40%. 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 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 -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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 2.87% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ISWN and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 111 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, ISWN or QQQ?
ISWN has an expense ratio of 0.49% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISWN or QQQ?
Over the past year ISWN returned +11.41% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), ISWN annualized +0.40% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISWN or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.6% for ISWN. Worst drawdown: ISWN -32.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ISWN and QQQ?
ISWN and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISWN and QQQ?
ISWN and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 111 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISWN or QQQ?
ISWN yields 2.87% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so ISWN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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