QQQ vs USMV
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Factor ETF
Quick Verdict
USMV has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. USMV offers more diversification with 170 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | USMV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.15% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $24.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 1.48% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 170 | |
| YTD Return | +16.23% | +7.94% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.23% | +7.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.75% | +12.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +7.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 11.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -33.1% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Oct 18, 2011 |
QQQ vs USMV Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Factor ETF (USMV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% while USMV returned +7.73%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.23% versus a gain of 7.94% for USMV.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.75% per year against +12.54% for USMV; over five years the annualized figures are +14.78% and +7.01% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +10.37%. 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 11.2% for USMV. 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 -33.1% for USMV. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while USMV charges 0.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $15 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 1.48% for USMV.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and USMV share 52 holdings out of 217 unique holdings combined, representing a 24.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or USMV?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while USMV charges 0.15%. USMV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or USMV?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.23% vs +7.73% for USMV, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), QQQ annualized +13.02% vs +10.37% for USMV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or USMV?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 11.2% for USMV. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs USMV -33.1%.
Should I hold both QQQ and USMV?
QQQ and USMV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and USMV?
QQQ and USMV share 52 common holdings with a 24.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 217 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or USMV?
QQQ yields 0.44% while USMV yields 1.48%, so USMV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.