QQQ vs USXF
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF
Quick Verdict
USXF has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. USXF offers more diversification with 294 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | USXF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.10% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $1.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.83% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 294 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +18.11% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +25.52% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +13.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 17.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -29.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jun 16, 2020 |
QQQ vs USXF Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF (USXF) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while USXF returned +24.30%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 18.11% for USXF.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +25.52% for USXF; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and +13.88% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, USXF has the edge at +18.53% annualized vs +13.03%. 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 17.4% for USXF. 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 -29.5% for USXF. 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while USXF charges 0.10%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $10 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.83% for USXF.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and USXF share 55 holdings out of 337 unique holdings combined, representing a 44.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or USXF?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while USXF charges 0.10%. USXF is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or USXF?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +24.30% for USXF, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +18.53% for USXF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or USXF?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.4% for USXF. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs USXF -29.5%.
Should I hold both QQQ and USXF?
QQQ and USXF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and USXF?
QQQ and USXF share 55 common holdings with a 44.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 337 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or USXF?
QQQ yields 0.44% while USXF yields 0.83%, so USXF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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