IVV vs QQEW
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs First Trust Nasdaq-100 Select Equal Weight ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | QQEW | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.55% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $1.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.20% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 50 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +21.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +16.23% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +8.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 18.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -58.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Apr 19, 2006 |
IVV vs QQEW Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and First Trust Nasdaq-100 Select Equal Weight ETF (QQEW) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while QQEW returned +21.45%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQEW.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +16.23% for QQEW; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +8.38% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQEW has the edge at +11.27% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQEW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -56.5% for IVV and -58.2% for QQEW. 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while QQEW charges 0.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $55 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.20% for QQEW.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and QQEW share 45 holdings out of 511 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or QQEW?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QQEW charges 0.55%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or QQEW?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +21.45% for QQEW, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +11.27% for QQEW. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or QQEW?
QQEW has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs QQEW -58.2%.
Should I hold both IVV and QQEW?
IVV and QQEW have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and QQEW?
IVV and QQEW share 45 common holdings with a 20.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 511 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or QQEW?
IVV yields 1.09% while QQEW yields 0.20%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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