IEFA vs QQQ
IEFA vs QQQ
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
IEFA has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IEFA offers more diversification with 1463 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IEFA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $187.0B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.40% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 2,645 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.88% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.49% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.58% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.00% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2012 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IEFA vs QQQ Performance
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) 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 IEFA returned +22.49% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, IEFA is up 11.88% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, IEFA compounded at +17.58% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.00% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +8.46%. 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 14.4% for IEFA. 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 -34.8% for IEFA 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
IEFA charges 0.07% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $18 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IEFA currently yields 3.40% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IEFA and QQQ share 4 holdings out of 1562 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IEFA | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASML:AS | 2.82% | 0.70% | 2.12% |
| ROP | 1.13% | 0.16% | 0.97% |
| FER:AS | 0.13% | 0.20% | 0.07% |
| CCEP:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 4 holdings IEFA shares with QQQ Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IEFA or QQQ?
IEFA has an expense ratio of 0.07% while QQQ charges 0.18%. IEFA is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IEFA or QQQ?
Over the past year IEFA returned +22.49% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IEFA annualized +8.46% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IEFA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.4% for IEFA. Worst drawdown: IEFA -34.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IEFA and QQQ?
IEFA 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 IEFA and QQQ?
IEFA and QQQ share 4 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1562 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IEFA or QQQ?
IEFA yields 3.40% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so IEFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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