ICSH vs QQQ
ICSH vs QQQ
iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
ICSH has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. ICSH offers more diversification with 129 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ICSH | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $8.1B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.33% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 377 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.28% | +16.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.22% | +26.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.11% | +24.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.23% | +14.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2013 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ICSH vs QQQ Performance
iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active ETF (ICSH) 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 ICSH returned +1.22% while QQQ returned +26.58%. Year to date, ICSH is down 0.28% versus a gain of 16.83% for QQQ.
Over three years, ICSH compounded at +4.11% per year against +24.70% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +3.23% and +14.88% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs +2.10%. 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 10.3% for ICSH. 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 -23.3% for ICSH 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 0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ICSH charges 0.08% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $18 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ICSH currently yields 4.33% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ICSH and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 232 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, ICSH or QQQ?
ICSH has an expense ratio of 0.08% while QQQ charges 0.18%. ICSH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ICSH or QQQ?
Over the past year ICSH returned +1.22% vs +26.58% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), ICSH annualized +2.10% vs +13.06% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ICSH or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.3% for ICSH. Worst drawdown: ICSH -23.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ICSH and QQQ?
ICSH and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ICSH and QQQ?
ICSH and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 232 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICSH or QQQ?
ICSH yields 4.33% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so ICSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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