EFA vs QQQ
EFA vs QQQ
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. EFA offers more diversification with 645 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $76.6B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.24% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 704 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.34% | +18.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.49% | +28.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.50% | +25.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.39% | +15.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 14, 2001 | Mar 10, 1999 |
EFA vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) 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 EFA returned +25.49% while QQQ returned +28.94%. Year to date, EFA is up 12.34% versus a gain of 18.34% for QQQ.
Over three years, EFA compounded at +17.50% per year against +25.28% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.39% and +15.22% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.12% annualized vs +6.80%. 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 16.6% for EFA. 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 -60.0% for EFA 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFA charges 0.32% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $18 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFA currently yields 3.24% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EFA or QQQ?
EFA has an expense ratio of 0.32% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFA or QQQ?
Over the past year EFA returned +25.49% vs +28.94% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), EFA annualized +6.80% vs +13.12% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.6% for EFA. Worst drawdown: EFA -60.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both EFA and QQQ?
EFA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFA and QQQ?
EFA and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 746 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFA or QQQ?
EFA yields 3.24% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so EFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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