IMTM vs QQQ
IMTM vs QQQ
iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IMTM offers more diversification with 297 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IMTM | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $4.1B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.36% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 326 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.28% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.68% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.38% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.10% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 13, 2015 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IMTM vs QQQ Performance
iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF (IMTM) 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 IMTM returned +21.68% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, IMTM is up 11.28% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, IMTM compounded at +21.38% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.10% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +8.13%. 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 13.8% for IMTM. 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 -30.7% for IMTM 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IMTM charges 0.30% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $18 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IMTM currently yields 4.36% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IMTM and QQQ share 3 holdings out of 397 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IMTM or QQQ?
IMTM has an expense ratio of 0.30% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IMTM or QQQ?
Over the past year IMTM returned +21.68% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IMTM annualized +8.13% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IMTM or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.8% for IMTM. Worst drawdown: IMTM -30.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IMTM and QQQ?
IMTM and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IMTM and QQQ?
IMTM and QQQ share 3 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 397 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IMTM or QQQ?
IMTM yields 4.36% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so IMTM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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