QAT vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Qatar 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 | QAT | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $64M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.88% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -5.82% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | -10.57% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.61% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.41% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 29, 2014 | Mar 10, 1999 |
QAT vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Qatar ETF (QAT) 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 QAT returned -10.57% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, QAT is down 5.82% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, QAT compounded at +2.61% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +1.41% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs -1.05%. 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 17.6% for QAT. 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 -51.0% for QAT 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QAT charges 0.60% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $18 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QAT currently yields 4.88% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
QAT and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 136 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, QAT or QQQ?
QAT has an expense ratio of 0.60% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QAT or QQQ?
Over the past year QAT returned -10.57% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QAT annualized -1.05% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QAT or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.6% for QAT. Worst drawdown: QAT -51.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both QAT and QQQ?
QAT and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QAT and QQQ?
QAT and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 136 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QAT or QQQ?
QAT yields 4.88% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QAT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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