IMCG vs QQQ
IMCG vs QQQ
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
IMCG has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IMCG offers more diversification with 261 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IMCG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $4.0B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.61% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 265 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +22.46% | +18.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.70% | +28.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.01% | +25.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.72% | +15.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2004 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IMCG vs QQQ Performance
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IMCG) 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 IMCG returned +21.70% while QQQ returned +28.94%. Year to date, IMCG is up 22.46% versus a gain of 18.34% for QQQ.
Over three years, IMCG compounded at +18.01% per year against +25.28% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +7.72% and +15.22% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.12% annualized vs +11.24%. 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 17.9% for IMCG. 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 -59.0% for IMCG 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IMCG charges 0.06% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $18 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IMCG currently yields 0.61% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IMCG and QQQ share 30 holdings out of 334 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IMCG | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTNT | 1.34% | 0.52% | 0.82% |
| DDOG | 1.06% | 0.38% | 0.68% |
| MNST | 0.89% | 0.42% | 0.47% |
| DASH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ORLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CTAS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MPWR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABNB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ALAB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IMCG 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, IMCG or QQQ?
IMCG has an expense ratio of 0.06% while QQQ charges 0.18%. IMCG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IMCG or QQQ?
Over the past year IMCG returned +21.70% vs +28.94% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), IMCG annualized +11.24% vs +13.12% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IMCG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.9% for IMCG. Worst drawdown: IMCG -59.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IMCG and QQQ?
IMCG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IMCG and QQQ?
IMCG and QQQ share 30 common holdings with a 7.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 334 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IMCG or QQQ?
IMCG yields 0.61% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so IMCG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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