IWS vs QQQ
IWS vs QQQ
iShares Russell Mid-cap Value ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. IWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. IWS offers more diversification with 698 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.23% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $15.6B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.32% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 724 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +20.78% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.64% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.88% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.88% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 17, 2001 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IWS vs QQQ Performance
iShares Russell Mid-cap Value ETF (IWS) 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 IWS returned +28.64% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, IWS is up 20.78% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, IWS compounded at +16.88% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.88% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +8.29%. 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 17.1% for IWS. 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 -63.9% for IWS 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWS charges 0.23% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $18 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWS currently yields 1.32% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IWS and QQQ share 17 holdings out of 784 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IWS | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| WBD | 0.61% | 0.30% | 0.31% |
| BKR | 0.51% | 0.25% | 0.26% |
| XEL | 0.49% | 0.22% | 0.27% |
| EXC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KDP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PYPL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FANG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ROP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ODFL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IWS 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, IWS or QQQ?
IWS has an expense ratio of 0.23% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWS or QQQ?
Over the past year IWS returned +28.64% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so IWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IWS annualized +8.29% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.1% for IWS. Worst drawdown: IWS -63.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IWS and QQQ?
IWS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IWS and QQQ?
IWS and QQQ share 17 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWS or QQQ?
IWS yields 1.32% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so IWS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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