ILCG vs QQQ
ILCG vs QQQ
iShares Morningstar Growth ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
ILCG has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. ILCG offers more diversification with 326 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ILCG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3.1B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 331 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +7.44% | +12.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.83% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.21% | +22.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.50% | +14.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2004 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ILCG vs QQQ Performance
iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG) 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 ILCG returned +11.83% while QQQ returned +22.35%. Year to date, ILCG is up 7.44% versus a gain of 12.48% for QQQ.
Over three years, ILCG compounded at +21.21% per year against +22.30% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.50% and +14.24% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.91% annualized vs +10.82%. 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 16.9% for ILCG. 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 -53.2% for ILCG 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
ILCG charges 0.04% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $18 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ILCG currently yields 0.41% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ILCG and QQQ share 66 holdings out of 363 unique holdings combined, representing a 58.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ILCG | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 14.11% | 7.88% | 6.23% |
| AAPL | 7.06% | 7.46% | 0.40% |
| AMZN | 4.06% | 4.26% | 0.20% |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MSFT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings ILCG 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, ILCG or QQQ?
ILCG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while QQQ charges 0.18%. ILCG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ILCG or QQQ?
Over the past year ILCG returned +11.83% vs +22.35% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), ILCG annualized +10.82% vs +12.91% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ILCG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.9% for ILCG. Worst drawdown: ILCG -53.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ILCG and QQQ?
ILCG 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 ILCG and QQQ?
ILCG and QQQ share 66 common holdings with a 58.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 363 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ILCG or QQQ?
ILCG yields 0.41% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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