QQQ vs URTH
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares MSCI World ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. URTH offers more diversification with 1,310 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | URTH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.24% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $8.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.40% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 1,310 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +12.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +20.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +20.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +11.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 14.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -34.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 10, 2012 |
QQQ vs URTH Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares MSCI World ETF (URTH) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while URTH returned +20.75%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 12.18% for URTH.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +20.78% for URTH; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +11.46% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +10.80%. 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 14.0% for URTH. 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 -34.0% for URTH. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while URTH charges 0.24%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $24 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.40% for URTH.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and URTH share 89 holdings out of 1066 unique holdings combined, representing a 38.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or URTH?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while URTH charges 0.24%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or URTH?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +20.75% for URTH, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +10.80% for URTH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or URTH?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.0% for URTH. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs URTH -34.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and URTH?
QQQ and URTH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and URTH?
QQQ and URTH share 89 common holdings with a 38.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1066 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or URTH?
QQQ yields 0.44% while URTH yields 1.40%, so URTH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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