IETC vs QQQ
IETC vs QQQ
iShares US Tech Independence Focused ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IETC | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $658M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.39% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +9.32% | +18.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.09% | +28.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.83% | +25.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.72% | +15.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IETC vs QQQ Performance
iShares US Tech Independence Focused ETF (IETC) 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 IETC returned +13.09% while QQQ returned +28.94%. Year to date, IETC is up 9.32% versus a gain of 18.34% for QQQ.
Over three years, IETC compounded at +25.83% per year against +25.28% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +14.72% and +15.22% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, IETC has the edge at +20.37% annualized vs +13.12%. 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 21.6% for IETC. 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 -38.5% for IETC 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IETC charges 0.18% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $18 annually. On income, IETC currently yields 0.39% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IETC and QQQ share 36 holdings out of 170 unique holdings combined, representing a 53.9% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IETC | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 12.43% | 7.88% | 4.55% |
| AVGO | 8.40% | 2.91% | 5.49% |
| AAPL | 3.58% | 7.46% | 3.88% |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MSFT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IETC 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, IETC or QQQ?
IETC has an expense ratio of 0.18% while QQQ charges 0.18%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IETC or QQQ?
Over the past year IETC returned +13.09% vs +28.94% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IETC annualized +20.37% vs +13.12% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IETC or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 21.6% for IETC. Worst drawdown: IETC -38.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IETC and QQQ?
IETC and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 IETC and QQQ?
IETC and QQQ share 36 common holdings with a 53.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 170 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IETC or QQQ?
IETC yields 0.39% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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