IWR vs QQQ
IWR vs QQQ
iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IWR offers more diversification with 798 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $56.1B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.15% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 831 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +16.85% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.97% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.74% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.57% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 17, 2001 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IWR vs QQQ Performance
iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF (IWR) 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 IWR returned +22.97% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, IWR is up 16.85% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, IWR compounded at +16.74% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.57% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +8.78%. 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 17.0% for IWR. 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 -59.7% for IWR 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWR charges 0.18% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $18 annually. On income, IWR currently yields 1.15% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IWR and QQQ share 29 holdings out of 872 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IWR | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DDOG | 0.60% | 0.38% | 0.22% |
| WBD | 0.45% | 0.30% | 0.15% |
| ALAB | 0.48% | 0.27% | 0.21% |
| TER | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FAST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LITE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BKR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XEL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RKLB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IWR 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, IWR or QQQ?
IWR 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, IWR or QQQ?
Over the past year IWR returned +22.97% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IWR annualized +8.78% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWR or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.0% for IWR. Worst drawdown: IWR -59.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IWR and QQQ?
IWR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IWR and QQQ?
IWR and QQQ share 29 common holdings with a 5.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 872 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWR or QQQ?
IWR yields 1.15% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so IWR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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