IVOL vs QQQ
Quadratic Interest Rate Volatility and Inflation Hedge 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 | IVOL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $288M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.19% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -6.44% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | -7.64% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -1.96% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -5.48% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Quadratic Capital Management LLC | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 13, 2019 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IVOL vs QQQ Performance
Quadratic Interest Rate Volatility and Inflation Hedge ETF (IVOL) is a ETF from Quadratic Capital Management LLC and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year IVOL returned -7.64% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, IVOL is down 6.44% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, IVOL compounded at -1.96% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -5.48% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs -2.16%. 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 8.8% for IVOL. 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 -31.2% for IVOL 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 0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVOL charges 0.98% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $18 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVOL currently yields 4.19% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IVOL and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 103 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, IVOL or QQQ?
IVOL has an expense ratio of 0.98% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVOL or QQQ?
Over the past year IVOL returned -7.64% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), IVOL annualized -2.16% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVOL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 8.8% for IVOL. Worst drawdown: IVOL -31.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IVOL and QQQ?
IVOL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVOL and QQQ?
IVOL and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVOL or QQQ?
IVOL yields 4.19% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IVOL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.