IMTB vs QQQ
IMTB vs QQQ
iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
IMTB has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IMTB offers more diversification with 1157 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IMTB | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $276M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.50% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 3,444 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.28% | +18.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.93% | +28.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.86% | +25.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.21% | +15.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 1, 2016 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IMTB vs QQQ Performance
iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF (IMTB) 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 IMTB returned +2.93% while QQQ returned +28.94%. Year to date, IMTB is down 0.28% versus a gain of 18.34% for QQQ.
Over three years, IMTB compounded at +4.86% per year against +25.28% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +0.21% and +15.22% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.12% annualized vs +0.62%. 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 5.3% for IMTB. 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 -18.3% for IMTB 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IMTB 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, IMTB currently yields 4.50% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IMTB and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 1260 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IMTB or QQQ?
IMTB has an expense ratio of 0.06% while QQQ charges 0.18%. IMTB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IMTB or QQQ?
Over the past year IMTB returned +2.93% vs +28.94% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), IMTB annualized +0.62% vs +13.12% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IMTB or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 5.3% for IMTB. Worst drawdown: IMTB -18.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IMTB and QQQ?
IMTB and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IMTB and QQQ?
IMTB and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1260 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IMTB or QQQ?
IMTB yields 4.50% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so IMTB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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