IXP vs QQQ
iShares Global Comm Services ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IXP | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.37% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $505M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.47% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 86 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -3.16% | +17.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.33% | +26.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.78% | +26.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.22% | +15.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IXP vs QQQ Performance
iShares Global Comm Services ETF (IXP) 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 IXP returned +2.33% while QQQ returned +26.39%. Year to date, IXP is down 3.16% versus a gain of 17.07% for QQQ.
Over three years, IXP compounded at +21.78% per year against +26.08% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.22% and +15.18% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.05% annualized vs +3.60%. 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 16.6% for IXP. 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 -53.1% for IXP 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IXP 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, IXP currently yields 3.47% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IXP and QQQ share 9 holdings out of 158 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IXP or QQQ?
IXP 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, IXP or QQQ?
Over the past year IXP returned +2.33% vs +26.39% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IXP annualized +3.60% vs +13.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXP or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.6% for IXP. Worst drawdown: IXP -53.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IXP and QQQ?
IXP and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IXP and QQQ?
IXP and QQQ share 9 common holdings with a 12.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 158 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXP or QQQ?
IXP yields 3.47% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IXP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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