ILCB vs QQQ
ILCB vs QQQ
iShares Morningstar US Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
ILCB has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. ILCB offers more diversification with 499 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ILCB | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.98% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 533 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +9.84% | +12.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.14% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.49% | +22.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.31% | +14.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2004 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ILCB vs QQQ Performance
iShares Morningstar US Equity ETF (ILCB) 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 ILCB returned +19.14% while QQQ returned +22.35%. Year to date, ILCB is up 9.84% versus a gain of 12.48% for QQQ.
Over three years, ILCB compounded at +19.49% per year against +22.30% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.31% and +14.24% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.91% annualized vs +9.53%. 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 14.7% for ILCB. 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 -52.8% for ILCB 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ILCB charges 0.03% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $18 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ILCB currently yields 0.98% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ILCB and QQQ share 90 holdings out of 512 unique holdings combined, representing a 52.9% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ILCB | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 6.96% | 7.88% | 0.92% |
| AAPL | 6.97% | 7.46% | 0.49% |
| MSFT | 4.36% | 4.65% | 0.29% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings ILCB 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, ILCB or QQQ?
ILCB has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QQQ charges 0.18%. ILCB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ILCB or QQQ?
Over the past year ILCB returned +19.14% vs +22.35% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), ILCB annualized +9.53% vs +12.91% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ILCB or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.7% for ILCB. Worst drawdown: ILCB -52.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ILCB and QQQ?
ILCB and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ILCB and QQQ?
ILCB and QQQ share 90 common holdings with a 52.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ILCB or QQQ?
ILCB yields 0.98% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so ILCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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