ITOT vs QQQ
ITOT vs QQQ
iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
ITOT has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. ITOT offers more diversification with 1628 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ITOT | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $93.5B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 2,502 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.22% | +12.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.76% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.96% | +22.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.79% | +14.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 20, 2004 | Mar 10, 1999 |
ITOT vs QQQ Performance
iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF (ITOT) 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 ITOT returned +19.76% while QQQ returned +22.35%. Year to date, ITOT is up 10.22% versus a gain of 12.48% for QQQ.
Over three years, ITOT compounded at +18.96% per year against +22.30% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.79% and +14.24% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.91% annualized vs +9.06%. 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 15.0% for ITOT. 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 -56.3% for ITOT 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ITOT 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, ITOT currently yields 1.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
ITOT and QQQ share 91 holdings out of 1640 unique holdings combined, representing a 48.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ITOT | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 6.45% | 7.88% | 1.43% |
| AAPL | 6.25% | 7.46% | 1.21% |
| MSFT | 3.91% | 4.65% | 0.74% |
| 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 ITOT 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, ITOT or QQQ?
ITOT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QQQ charges 0.18%. ITOT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ITOT or QQQ?
Over the past year ITOT returned +19.76% vs +22.35% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), ITOT annualized +9.06% vs +12.91% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ITOT or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.0% for ITOT. Worst drawdown: ITOT -56.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both ITOT and QQQ?
ITOT and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 ITOT and QQQ?
ITOT and QQQ share 91 common holdings with a 48.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1640 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ITOT or QQQ?
ITOT yields 1.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so ITOT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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