IXUS vs QQQ
IXUS vs QQQ
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
IXUS has a lower expense ratio. IXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. IXUS offers more diversification with 1343 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IXUS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $57.6B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.94% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 4,623 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +13.71% | +16.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.52% | +26.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.68% | +24.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.01% | +14.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2012 | Mar 10, 1999 |
IXUS vs QQQ Performance
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) 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 IXUS returned +27.52% while QQQ returned +26.58%. Year to date, IXUS is up 13.71% versus a gain of 16.83% for QQQ.
Over three years, IXUS compounded at +18.68% per year against +24.70% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.01% and +14.88% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs +6.27%. 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 14.3% for IXUS. 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 -39.9% for IXUS 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IXUS charges 0.07% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $18 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IXUS currently yields 2.94% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IXUS and QQQ share 7 holdings out of 1439 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IXUS | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASML:AS | 1.67% | 0.70% | 0.97% |
| SHOP:CA | 0.34% | 0.67% | 0.33% |
| ROP | 0.67% | 0.16% | 0.51% |
| PDD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FER:AS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CCEP:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TRI:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 7 holdings IXUS 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, IXUS or QQQ?
IXUS has an expense ratio of 0.07% while QQQ charges 0.18%. IXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IXUS or QQQ?
Over the past year IXUS returned +27.52% vs +26.58% for QQQ, so IXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IXUS annualized +6.27% vs +13.06% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXUS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.3% for IXUS. Worst drawdown: IXUS -39.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both IXUS and QQQ?
IXUS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IXUS and QQQ?
IXUS and QQQ share 7 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1439 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXUS or QQQ?
IXUS yields 2.94% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so IXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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