KSA vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. KSA offers more diversification with 124 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KSA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $622M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.84% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 124 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +4.46% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.41% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.79% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.78% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 16, 2015 | Mar 10, 1999 |
KSA vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF (KSA) 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 KSA returned +3.41% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, KSA is up 4.46% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, KSA compounded at +0.79% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +0.78% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +2.18%. 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 19.3% for KSA. 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 -65.5% for KSA 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 0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KSA charges 0.75% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $18 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KSA currently yields 2.84% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
KSA and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 220 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KSA or QQQ?
KSA has an expense ratio of 0.75% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KSA or QQQ?
Over the past year KSA returned +3.41% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), KSA annualized +2.18% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KSA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.3% for KSA. Worst drawdown: KSA -65.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both KSA and QQQ?
KSA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KSA and QQQ?
KSA and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 220 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KSA or QQQ?
KSA yields 2.84% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so KSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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