IVV vs QQQE
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. QQQE delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | QQQE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $1.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.58% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 103 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +19.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +25.98% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +18.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +9.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 16.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -32.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 21, 2012 |
IVV vs QQQE Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index ETF (QQQE) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while QQQE returned +25.98%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 19.78% for QQQE.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +18.06% for QQQE; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +9.11% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QQQE has the edge at +13.95% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -32.1% for QQQE. 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 QQQE charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $35 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.58% for QQQE.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and QQQE share 87 holdings out of 521 unique holdings combined, representing a 24.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or QQQE?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QQQE charges 0.35%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or QQQE?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +25.98% for QQQE, so QQQE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +13.95% for QQQE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or QQQE?
QQQE has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs QQQE -32.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and QQQE?
IVV and QQQE 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 QQQE?
IVV and QQQE share 87 common holdings with a 24.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 521 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or QQQE?
IVV yields 1.10% while QQQE yields 0.58%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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