QQQ vs SCJ
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares MSCI Japan Small-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCJ offers more diversification with 795 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SCJ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $265M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.72% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 795 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +17.76% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +22.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +19.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +8.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -43.7% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Dec 20, 2007 |
QQQ vs SCJ Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares MSCI Japan Small-Cap ETF (SCJ) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while SCJ returned +22.22%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 17.76% for SCJ.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +19.60% for SCJ; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +8.68% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +4.82%. 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 15.0% for SCJ. 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 -83.0% for QQQ and -43.7% for SCJ. 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SCJ charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $50 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 2.72% for SCJ.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SCJ share 0 holdings out of 890 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, QQQ or SCJ?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SCJ charges 0.50%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or SCJ?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +22.22% for SCJ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +4.82% for SCJ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SCJ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.0% for SCJ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SCJ -43.7%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SCJ?
QQQ and SCJ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SCJ?
QQQ and SCJ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 890 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SCJ?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SCJ yields 2.72%, so SCJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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