PICK vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. PICK delivered stronger 1-year returns. PICK offers more diversification with 249 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PICK | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.26% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 288 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +22.50% | +17.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +64.04% | +26.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.09% | +26.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.93% | +15.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2012 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PICK vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (PICK) 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 PICK returned +64.04% while QQQ returned +26.45%. Year to date, PICK is up 22.50% versus a gain of 17.85% for QQQ.
Over three years, PICK compounded at +20.09% per year against +26.07% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.93% and +15.16% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.09% annualized vs +5.57%. 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 27.2% for PICK. 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 -80.4% for PICK 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PICK charges 0.39% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $18 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PICK currently yields 2.26% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PICK and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 352 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, PICK or QQQ?
PICK has an expense ratio of 0.39% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PICK or QQQ?
Over the past year PICK returned +64.04% vs +26.45% for QQQ, so PICK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), PICK annualized +5.57% vs +13.09% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PICK or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 27.2% for PICK. Worst drawdown: PICK -80.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PICK and QQQ?
PICK and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PICK and QQQ?
PICK and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 352 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PICK or QQQ?
PICK yields 2.26% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so PICK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.