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IWM vs QQQ: Performance & Backtest Comparison
QQQ delivered the higher return - 9.08% CAGR vs 8.60% - over 2000-06-30 → 2026-07-31.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| IWM | QQQ | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund | Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 |
| CAGR | 8.60% | 9.08% |
| Total return | 766.05% | 871.33% |
| Volatility | 20.03% | 22.51% |
| Max drawdown | -52.47%Feb 2009 | -79.61%Sep 2002 |
| Sharpe | 0.42 | 0.42 |
| Sortino | 0.62 | 0.56 |
| Best year | 47.90% | 54.85% |
| Worst year | -34.14% | -41.73% |
| Final balance | $86,605 | $97,133 |
Correlation of monthly returns: 0.76. Wondering if you need both? Check their fund overlap →
All figures are total returns: every dividend and distribution is reinvested on its ex-date, and prices are split-adjusted. See the methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Which has performed better, IWM or QQQ?
Over 2000-06-30 to 2026-07-31, QQQ performed better: 9.08% annualized versus 8.60% for IWM, with dividends reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How similar are IWM and QQQ?
Their monthly returns have a correlation of 0.76 over the common period. IWM is iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund; QQQ is Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1.
Which is riskier, IWM or QQQ?
Over the common period IWM had 20.03% annualized volatility and a -52.47% max drawdown, versus 22.51% and -79.61% for QQQ.