IWL vs QQQ
IWL vs QQQ
iShares Russell Top 200 ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
IWL has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IWL offers more diversification with 202 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.85% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 205 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.77% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.11% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.41% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.88% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 22, 2009 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IWL vs QQQ Performance
iShares Russell Top 200 ETF (IWL) 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 IWL returned +23.11% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, IWL is up 12.77% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, IWL compounded at +22.41% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +13.88% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, IWL has the edge at +13.28% annualized vs +13.11%. 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 14.2% for IWL. 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 -32.7% for IWL 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWL charges 0.15% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $18 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWL currently yields 0.85% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IWL and QQQ share 62 holdings out of 243 unique holdings combined, representing a 57.3% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IWL | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 8.16% | 7.88% | 0.28% |
| AAPL | 8.09% | 7.46% | 0.63% |
| MSFT | 5.14% | 4.65% | 0.49% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IWL 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, IWL or QQQ?
IWL has an expense ratio of 0.15% while QQQ charges 0.18%. IWL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWL or QQQ?
Over the past year IWL returned +23.11% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), IWL annualized +13.28% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.2% for IWL. Worst drawdown: IWL -32.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IWL and QQQ?
IWL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 IWL and QQQ?
IWL and QQQ share 62 common holdings with a 57.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 243 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWL or QQQ?
IWL yields 0.85% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so IWL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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