QQQ vs USCL
QQQ vs USCL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs iShares Climate Conscious & Transition MSCI USA ETF
Quick Verdict
USCL has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. USCL offers more diversification with 406 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | USCL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $2.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 1.11% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 410 | |
| YTD Return | +16.83% | +9.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.58% | +16.49% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.70% | +19.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.88% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 12.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -19.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jun 6, 2023 |
QQQ vs USCL Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares Climate Conscious & Transition MSCI USA ETF (USCL) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.58% while USCL returned +16.49%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.83% versus a gain of 9.89% for USCL.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.70% per year against +19.24% for USCL. Across the full 3-year window we track, USCL has the edge at +20.29% annualized vs +13.06%. 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 12.9% for USCL. 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 -83.0% for QQQ and -19.0% for USCL. 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while USCL charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $8 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.41% against 1.11% for USCL.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and USCL share 79 holdings out of 430 unique holdings combined, representing a 55.1% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QQQ | Weight in USCL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.88% | 8.55% | 0.67% |
| AAPL | 7.46% | 8.69% | 1.23% |
| MSFT | 4.65% | 5.17% | 0.52% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings QQQ shares with USCL 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, QQQ or USCL?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while USCL charges 0.08%. USCL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or USCL?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.58% vs +16.49% for USCL, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +13.06% vs +20.29% for USCL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or USCL?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.9% for USCL. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs USCL -19.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and USCL?
QQQ and USCL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 QQQ and USCL?
QQQ and USCL share 79 common holdings with a 55.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 430 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or USCL?
QQQ yields 0.41% while USCL yields 1.11%, so USCL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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