QLTA vs QQQ
iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QLTA has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QLTA offers more diversification with 3,482 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLTA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.57% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 3,482 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.81% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.62% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.85% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.58% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2012 | Mar 10, 1999 |
QLTA vs QQQ Performance
iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF (QLTA) 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 QLTA returned +1.62% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, QLTA is down 0.81% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, QLTA compounded at +4.85% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -0.58% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +0.79%. 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 5.8% for QLTA. 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 -23.0% for QLTA 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLTA charges 0.15% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $18 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLTA currently yields 4.57% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
QLTA and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 3001 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QLTA | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LRCX | 0.02% | 1.69% | 1.67% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLTA or QQQ?
QLTA has an expense ratio of 0.15% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QLTA is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLTA or QQQ?
Over the past year QLTA returned +1.62% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), QLTA annualized +0.79% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLTA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 5.8% for QLTA. Worst drawdown: QLTA -23.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both QLTA and QQQ?
QLTA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QLTA and QQQ?
QLTA and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3001 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLTA or QQQ?
QLTA yields 4.57% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QLTA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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