^IXIC vs. QQQ
^IXIC (NASDAQ Composite) is an index, while QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) is Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Over the past 10 years, ^IXIC returned 18.45%/yr vs 22.07%/yr for QQQ. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep.
Performance
^IXIC vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, ^IXIC achieves a 10.09% return, which is significantly lower than QQQ's 16.45% return. Over the past 10 years, ^IXIC has underperformed QQQ with an annualized return of 18.45%, while QQQ has yielded a comparatively higher 22.07% annualized return.
^IXIC
- 1D
- -2.21%
- 1M
- -2.87%
- YTD
- 10.09%
- 6M
- 8.60%
- 1Y
- 30.34%
- 3Y*
- 23.78%
- 5Y*
- 12.23%
- 10Y*
- 18.45%
QQQ
- 1D
- -3.29%
- 1M
- -0.43%
- YTD
- 16.45%
- 6M
- 14.99%
- 1Y
- 34.88%
- 3Y*
- 26.05%
- 5Y*
- 16.01%
- 10Y*
- 22.07%
^IXIC vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
^IXIC NASDAQ Composite | 10.09% | 20.36% | 28.64% | 43.42% | -33.10% | 21.39% | 43.64% | 35.23% | -3.88% | 28.24% |
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF | 16.45% | 20.77% | 25.58% | 54.86% | -32.58% | 27.42% | 48.62% | 38.96% | -0.13% | 32.66% |
Correlation
The correlation between ^IXIC and QQQ is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.98 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 10, 1999 | 0.97 |
The correlation between ^IXIC and QQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
^IXIC vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank
^IXIC
QQQ
^IXIC vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NASDAQ Composite (^IXIC) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.
Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.
| ^IXIC | QQQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.22 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.24 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.30 | 1.35 | -0.04 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.31 | 2.93 | -0.62 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 8.65 | 10.86 | -2.21 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
^IXIC vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum ^IXIC drawdown since its inception was -77.93%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ^IXIC and QQQ.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| ^IXIC | QQQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -77.93% | -82.97% | +5.04% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -13.21% | -11.96% | -1.25% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -24.32% | -22.77% | -1.55% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -36.40% | -35.12% | -1.28% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -36.40% | -35.12% | -1.28% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -5.56% | -4.25% | -1.31% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -21.38% | -32.73% | +11.35% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.51% | 3.22% | +0.29% |
Volatility
^IXIC vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for NASDAQ Composite (^IXIC) is 7.66%, while Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) has a volatility of 9.17%. This indicates that ^IXIC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| ^IXIC | QQQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 7.66% | 9.17% | -1.51% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 13.86% | 14.57% | -0.71% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 17.59% | 17.96% | -0.37% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 22.65% | 22.69% | -0.04% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 22.08% | 22.42% | -0.34% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.98, ^IXIC and QQQ move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.
QQQ has higher volatility (9.17%) compared to ^IXIC (7.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ^IXIC dropped -77.93% vs QQQ's -82.97%.
QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.73), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.
Find the right allocation for ^IXIC and QQQ
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer