IXC vs QQQ
iShares Global Energy ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. IXC delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IXC | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2.7B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.20% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 66 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +32.70% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.81% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.06% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IXC vs QQQ Performance
iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) 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 IXC returned +45.81% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, IXC is up 32.70% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, IXC compounded at +16.06% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +22.08% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +6.33%. 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 22.9% for IXC. 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 -76.1% for IXC 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IXC charges 0.40% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $18 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IXC currently yields 3.20% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IXC or QQQ?
IXC has an expense ratio of 0.40% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IXC or QQQ?
Over the past year IXC returned +45.81% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so IXC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IXC annualized +6.33% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXC or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 22.9% for IXC. Worst drawdown: IXC -76.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IXC and QQQ?
IXC and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IXC and QQQ?
IXC and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 151 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXC or QQQ?
IXC yields 3.20% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so IXC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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