QQQ vs USRT

Quick Verdict

USRT has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. USRT offers more diversification with 127 holdings.

Lower Fees: USRTHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: USRT

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQQUSRTWinner
Expense Ratio0.18%0.08%
AUM$455.8B$4.7B
Dividend Yield0.41%2.56%
Holdings108130
YTD Return+16.83%+18.59%
1Y Return+26.58%+22.64%
3Y Return (annualized)+24.70%+11.97%
5Y Return (annualized)+14.88%+4.85%
Volatility (annualized)30.6%21.6%
Max Drawdown-83.0%-72.9%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)iShares by BlackRock (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 10, 1999May 1, 2007

QQQ vs USRT Performance

Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares Core US REIT ETF (USRT) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year QQQ returned +26.58% while USRT returned +22.64%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.83% versus a gain of 18.59% for USRT.

Over three years, QQQ compounded at +24.70% per year against +11.97% for USRT; over five years the annualized figures are +14.88% and +4.85% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs +2.42%. 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 21.6% for USRT. 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 -72.9% for USRT. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQQ charges 0.18% per year while USRT 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 2.56% for USRT.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

QQQ and USRT share 0 holdings out of 230 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QQQ or USRT?

QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while USRT charges 0.08%. USRT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QQQ or USRT?

Over the past year QQQ returned +26.58% vs +22.64% for USRT, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), QQQ annualized +13.06% vs +2.42% for USRT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQQ or USRT?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 21.6% for USRT. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs USRT -72.9%.

Should I hold both QQQ and USRT?

QQQ and USRT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and USRT?

QQQ and USRT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 230 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or USRT?

QQQ yields 0.41% while USRT yields 2.56%, so USRT currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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