IUSG vs QQQ
IUSG vs QQQ
iShares Core S&P US Growth ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
IUSG has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IUSG offers more diversification with 376 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IUSG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $31.4B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.49% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 400 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.58% | +14.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.98% | +24.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.37% | +24.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.31% | +14.49% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IUSG vs QQQ Performance
iShares Core S&P US Growth ETF (IUSG) 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 IUSG returned +21.98% while QQQ returned +24.70%. Year to date, IUSG is up 12.58% versus a gain of 14.45% for QQQ.
Over three years, IUSG compounded at +25.37% per year against +24.19% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +13.31% and +14.49% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.98% annualized vs +7.22%. 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 17.4% for IUSG. 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 -65.8% for IUSG 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IUSG 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, IUSG currently yields 0.49% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IUSG and QQQ share 48 holdings out of 431 unique holdings combined, representing a 54.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IUSG | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 12.72% | 7.88% | 4.84% |
| AAPL | 6.17% | 7.46% | 1.29% |
| MSFT | 7.71% | 4.65% | 3.06% |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IUSG 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, IUSG or QQQ?
IUSG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while QQQ charges 0.18%. IUSG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IUSG or QQQ?
Over the past year IUSG returned +21.98% vs +24.70% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IUSG annualized +7.22% vs +12.98% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IUSG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.4% for IUSG. Worst drawdown: IUSG -65.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IUSG and QQQ?
IUSG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 IUSG and QQQ?
IUSG and QQQ share 48 common holdings with a 54.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 431 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IUSG or QQQ?
IUSG yields 0.49% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so IUSG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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