BGRN vs QQQ
BGRN vs QQQ
iShares USD Green Bond ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. BGRN offers more diversification with 212 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BGRN | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $501M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.28% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 322 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +0.09% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.34% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.89% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.16% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 13, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BGRN vs QQQ Performance
iShares USD Green Bond ETF (BGRN) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BGRN returned +2.34% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, BGRN is up 0.09% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, BGRN compounded at +4.89% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +0.16% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +1.48%. 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 5.5% for BGRN. 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 -19.2% for BGRN and -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BGRN charges 0.20% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $18 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BGRN currently yields 4.28% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
BGRN and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 315 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, BGRN or QQQ?
BGRN has an expense ratio of 0.20% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BGRN or QQQ?
Over the past year BGRN returned +2.34% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), BGRN annualized +1.48% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BGRN or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 5.5% for BGRN. Worst drawdown: BGRN -19.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BGRN and QQQ?
BGRN and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BGRN and QQQ?
BGRN and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 315 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BGRN or QQQ?
BGRN yields 4.28% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so BGRN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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