IFRA vs QQQ
IFRA vs QQQ
iShares US Infrastructure ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IFRA offers more diversification with 162 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IFRA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $4.6B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.54% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 168 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +14.62% | +16.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.63% | +26.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.58% | +24.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | +14.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IFRA vs QQQ Performance
iShares US Infrastructure ETF (IFRA) 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 IFRA returned +22.63% while QQQ returned +26.58%. Year to date, IFRA is up 14.62% versus a gain of 16.83% for QQQ.
Over three years, IFRA compounded at +17.58% per year against +24.70% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +13.19% and +14.88% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs +12.25%. 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 19.8% for IFRA. 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 -41.1% for IFRA 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IFRA charges 0.30% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $18 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IFRA currently yields 1.54% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IFRA and QQQ share 5 holdings out of 260 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IFRA | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSX | 3.30% | 0.41% | 2.89% |
| CEG | 2.35% | 0.41% | 1.94% |
| AEP | 2.01% | 0.33% | 1.68% |
| XEL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EXC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 5 holdings IFRA 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, IFRA or QQQ?
IFRA has an expense ratio of 0.30% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IFRA or QQQ?
Over the past year IFRA returned +22.63% vs +26.58% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IFRA annualized +12.25% vs +13.06% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IFRA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.8% for IFRA. Worst drawdown: IFRA -41.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IFRA and QQQ?
IFRA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IFRA and QQQ?
IFRA and QQQ share 5 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 260 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IFRA or QQQ?
IFRA yields 1.54% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so IFRA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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