IXN vs QQQ
iShares Global Tech ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. IXN delivered stronger 1-year returns. IXN offers more diversification with 145 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IXN | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.37% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $9.5B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.83% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 145 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +30.78% | +16.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.91% | +25.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.96% | +25.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.16% | +14.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IXN vs QQQ Performance
iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN) 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 IXN returned +45.91% while QQQ returned +25.22%. Year to date, IXN is up 30.78% versus a gain of 16.19% for QQQ.
Over three years, IXN compounded at +32.96% per year against +25.47% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +19.16% and +14.34% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.01% annualized vs +11.69%. 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 20.9% for IXN. 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 -56.3% for IXN 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IXN charges 0.37% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $37 vs $18 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IXN currently yields 0.83% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IXN and QQQ share 38 holdings out of 192 unique holdings combined, representing a 54.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IXN or QQQ?
IXN has an expense ratio of 0.37% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IXN or QQQ?
Over the past year IXN returned +45.91% vs +25.22% for QQQ, so IXN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IXN annualized +11.69% vs +13.01% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXN or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.9% for IXN. Worst drawdown: IXN -56.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IXN and QQQ?
IXN and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 IXN and QQQ?
IXN and QQQ share 38 common holdings with a 54.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 192 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXN or QQQ?
IXN yields 0.83% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IXN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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