IVV vs QQQ
IVV vs QQQ
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +13.52% | +18.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.63% | +28.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.26% | +25.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.52% | +15.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IVV vs QQQ Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) 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 IVV returned +23.63% while QQQ returned +28.94%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.52% versus a gain of 18.34% for QQQ.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.26% per year against +25.28% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +13.52% and +15.22% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.12% annualized vs +7.04%. 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 15.1% for IVV. 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 -56.5% for IVV 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV 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, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and QQQ share 87 holdings out of 521 unique holdings combined, representing a 53.6% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.76% | 7.88% | 0.12% |
| AAPL | 7.44% | 7.46% | 0.02% |
| MSFT | 4.57% | 4.65% | 0.08% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IVV 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, IVV or QQQ?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QQQ charges 0.18%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or QQQ?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.63% vs +28.94% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +13.12% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and QQQ?
IVV and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and QQQ?
IVV and QQQ share 87 common holdings with a 53.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 521 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or QQQ?
IVV yields 1.09% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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