IGE vs QQQ
IGE vs QQQ
iShares North American Natural Resources ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. IGE delivered stronger 1-year returns. IGE offers more diversification with 151 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IGE | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $744M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.11% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 156 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +17.88% | +18.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.85% | +28.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.95% | +25.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.29% | +15.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 44.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 22, 2001 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IGE vs QQQ Performance
iShares North American Natural Resources ETF (IGE) 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 IGE returned +35.85% while QQQ returned +28.94%. Year to date, IGE is up 17.88% versus a gain of 18.34% for QQQ.
Over three years, IGE compounded at +15.95% per year against +25.28% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +19.29% and +15.22% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, IGE has the edge at +14.36% annualized vs +13.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IGE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 44.8% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -72.3% for IGE 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IGE charges 0.39% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $18 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IGE currently yields 2.11% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IGE or QQQ?
IGE has an expense ratio of 0.39% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IGE or QQQ?
Over the past year IGE returned +35.85% vs +28.94% for QQQ, so IGE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IGE annualized +14.36% vs +13.12% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IGE or QQQ?
IGE has been the more volatile fund at 44.8% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: IGE -72.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IGE and QQQ?
IGE and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IGE and QQQ?
IGE and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 252 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IGE or QQQ?
IGE yields 2.11% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so IGE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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