IYM vs QQQ
iShares US Basic Materials ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. IYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IYM | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +22.14% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.52% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.33% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.82% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 12, 2000 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IYM vs QQQ Performance
iShares US Basic Materials ETF (IYM) 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 IYM returned +32.52% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, IYM is up 22.14% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, IYM compounded at +15.33% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.82% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +7.06%. 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 22.2% for IYM. 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 -68.1% for IYM 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IYM charges 0.38% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $18 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IYM currently yields 1.30% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IYM or QQQ?
IYM has an expense ratio of 0.38% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IYM or QQQ?
Over the past year IYM returned +32.52% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so IYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IYM annualized +7.06% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IYM or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 22.2% for IYM. Worst drawdown: IYM -68.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IYM and QQQ?
IYM and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IYM and QQQ?
IYM and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 140 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IYM or QQQ?
IYM yields 1.30% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so IYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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