QQQ vs UAE
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares MSCI UAE ETF
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 | QQQ | UAE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $314M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 4.43% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 62 | |
| YTD Return | +17.30% | +5.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.93% | +2.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.19% | +13.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.34% | +10.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 20.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -68.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Apr 29, 2014 |
QQQ vs UAE Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares MSCI UAE ETF (UAE) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +24.93% while UAE returned +2.39%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.30% versus a gain of 5.36% for UAE.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.19% per year against +13.98% for UAE; over five years the annualized figures are +15.34% and +10.18% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs -0.29%. 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 20.2% for UAE. 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 -68.3% for UAE. 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
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while UAE charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $60 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 4.43% for UAE.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and UAE share 0 holdings out of 159 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 UAE?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while UAE charges 0.60%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or UAE?
Over the past year QQQ returned +24.93% vs +2.39% for UAE, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QQQ annualized +13.06% vs -0.29% for UAE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or UAE?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.2% for UAE. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs UAE -68.3%.
Should I hold both QQQ and UAE?
QQQ and UAE 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 QQQ and UAE?
QQQ and UAE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 159 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or UAE?
QQQ yields 0.44% while UAE yields 4.43%, so UAE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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