IVAL vs QQQ
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. IVAL delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVAL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $222M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +19.28% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.09% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.62% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.22% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2014 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IVAL vs QQQ Performance
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF (IVAL) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year IVAL returned +29.09% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, IVAL is up 19.28% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, IVAL compounded at +20.62% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.22% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +5.61%. 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 17.4% for IVAL. 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 -49.2% for IVAL 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVAL charges 0.38% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $18 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVAL currently yields 2.60% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IVAL and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 152 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, IVAL or QQQ?
IVAL has an expense ratio of 0.38% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVAL or QQQ?
Over the past year IVAL returned +29.09% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so IVAL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IVAL annualized +5.61% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVAL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.4% for IVAL. Worst drawdown: IVAL -49.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IVAL and QQQ?
IVAL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVAL and QQQ?
IVAL and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 152 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVAL or QQQ?
IVAL yields 2.60% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IVAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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