IWY vs QQQ
IWY vs QQQ
iShares Russell Top 200 Growth ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWY | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $15.7B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 105 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +5.52% | +18.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.25% | +28.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.51% | +25.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.71% | +15.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 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 |
IWY vs QQQ Performance
iShares Russell Top 200 Growth ETF (IWY) 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 IWY returned +14.25% while QQQ returned +28.94%. Year to date, IWY is up 5.52% versus a gain of 18.34% for QQQ.
Over three years, IWY compounded at +22.51% per year against +25.28% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +13.71% and +15.22% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, IWY has the edge at +15.89% annualized vs +13.12%. 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 16.1% for IWY. 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 IWY 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWY charges 0.20% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $18 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWY currently yields 0.34% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IWY and QQQ share 45 holdings out of 160 unique holdings combined, representing a 60.8% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IWY | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 14.00% | 7.88% | 6.12% |
| AAPL | 7.80% | 7.46% | 0.34% |
| GOOGL | 6.61% | 3.29% | 3.32% |
| MSFT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IWY 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, IWY or QQQ?
IWY has an expense ratio of 0.20% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWY or QQQ?
Over the past year IWY returned +14.25% vs +28.94% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), IWY annualized +15.89% vs +13.12% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWY or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.1% for IWY. Worst drawdown: IWY -32.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IWY and QQQ?
IWY and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 IWY and QQQ?
IWY and QQQ share 45 common holdings with a 60.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 160 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWY or QQQ?
IWY yields 0.34% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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