ITAN vs QQQ
Sparkline Intangible Value ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. ITAN delivered stronger 1-year returns. ITAN offers more diversification with 159 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ITAN | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $117M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.03% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 159 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +20.80% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.67% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.62% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.78% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Sparkline Capital | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 29, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ITAN vs QQQ Performance
Sparkline Intangible Value ETF (ITAN) is a ETF from Sparkline Capital and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year ITAN returned +36.67% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, ITAN is up 20.80% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, ITAN compounded at +24.62% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.78% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +12.96%. 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 17.6% for ITAN. 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 -30.4% for ITAN 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ITAN charges 0.50% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $18 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ITAN currently yields 1.03% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ITAN and QQQ share 18 holdings out of 242 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ITAN or QQQ?
ITAN has an expense ratio of 0.50% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ITAN or QQQ?
Over the past year ITAN returned +36.67% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so ITAN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ITAN annualized +12.96% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ITAN or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.6% for ITAN. Worst drawdown: ITAN -30.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ITAN and QQQ?
ITAN and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ITAN and QQQ?
ITAN and QQQ share 18 common holdings with a 16.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 242 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ITAN or QQQ?
ITAN yields 1.03% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so ITAN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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