IVW vs QQQ
iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVW offers more diversification with 152 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVW | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $78.0B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 152 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.76% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.23% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.41% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.13% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 2000 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IVW vs QQQ Performance
iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF (IVW) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year IVW returned +23.23% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, IVW is up 12.76% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, IVW compounded at +26.41% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +13.13% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +7.76%. 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 16.2% for IVW. 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 -72.1% for IVW 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVW charges 0.18% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $18 annually. On income, IVW currently yields 0.37% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IVW and QQQ share 47 holdings out of 204 unique holdings combined, representing a 57.4% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVW or QQQ?
IVW has an expense ratio of 0.18% while QQQ charges 0.18%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVW or QQQ?
Over the past year IVW returned +23.23% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IVW annualized +7.76% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVW or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.2% for IVW. Worst drawdown: IVW -72.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IVW and QQQ?
IVW and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 IVW and QQQ?
IVW and QQQ share 47 common holdings with a 57.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 204 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVW or QQQ?
IVW yields 0.37% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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