KXI vs QQQ
iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. KXI offers more diversification with 112 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KXI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.30% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 112 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +7.47% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.19% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.54% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.41% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2006 | Mar 10, 1999 |
KXI vs QQQ Performance
iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (KXI) 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 KXI returned +4.19% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, KXI is up 7.47% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, KXI compounded at +7.54% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +4.41% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +5.82%. 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 12.7% for KXI. 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 -43.9% for KXI 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KXI 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, KXI currently yields 2.30% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
KXI and QQQ share 7 holdings out of 189 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KXI or QQQ?
KXI 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, KXI or QQQ?
Over the past year KXI returned +4.19% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), KXI annualized +5.82% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KXI or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.7% for KXI. Worst drawdown: KXI -43.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both KXI and QQQ?
KXI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KXI and QQQ?
KXI and QQQ share 7 common holdings with a 6.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 189 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KXI or QQQ?
KXI yields 2.30% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so KXI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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