IWF vs QQQ
IWF vs QQQ
iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IWF offers more diversification with 369 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $120.5B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.35% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 372 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +4.90% | +16.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.94% | +26.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.72% | +24.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.45% | +14.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 2000 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IWF vs QQQ Performance
iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) 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 IWF returned +11.94% while QQQ returned +26.58%. Year to date, IWF is up 4.90% versus a gain of 16.83% for QQQ.
Over three years, IWF compounded at +21.72% per year against +24.70% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.45% and +14.88% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs +7.43%. 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 IWF. 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 -66.8% for IWF 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
IWF charges 0.18% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $18 annually. On income, IWF currently yields 0.35% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IWF and QQQ share 62 holdings out of 410 unique holdings combined, representing a 58.6% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IWF | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 13.66% | 7.88% | 5.78% |
| AAPL | 7.33% | 7.46% | 0.13% |
| GOOGL | 6.39% | 3.29% | 3.10% |
| MSFT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IWF 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, IWF or QQQ?
IWF has an expense ratio of 0.18% while QQQ charges 0.18%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWF or QQQ?
Over the past year IWF returned +11.94% vs +26.58% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IWF annualized +7.43% vs +13.06% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.4% for IWF. Worst drawdown: IWF -66.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IWF and QQQ?
IWF 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 IWF and QQQ?
IWF and QQQ share 62 common holdings with a 58.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 410 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWF or QQQ?
IWF yields 0.35% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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