IBLC vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IBLC (iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IBLC is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the ICE FactSet Global Blockchain Technologies Index, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IBLC returned 48.31%/yr vs 28.78%/yr for QQQ. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IBLC charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

IBLC vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBLC achieves a 32.34% return, which is significantly higher than QQQ's 21.30% return.

IBLC

• 1D: -3.00%
• 1M: 13.52%
• YTD: 32.34%
• 6M: 15.25%
• 1Y: 73.27%
• 3Y*: 48.31%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QQQ

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: 10.60%
• YTD: 21.30%
• 6M: 19.66%
• 1Y: 41.82%
• 3Y*: 28.78%
• 5Y*: 17.97%
• 10Y*: 21.94%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

IBLC vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
IBLC iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF	32.34%	27.05%	18.58%	201.47%	-57.76%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	21.30%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-15.42%

Correlation

The correlation between IBLC and QQQ is 0.63, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 28, 2022	0.65

The correlation between IBLC and QQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.65 - a consistent structural relationship.

IBLC vs. QQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IBLC	QQQ
Financial Services	66.6%	0.2%
Technology	30.7%	53.8%
Communication Services	2.5%	15.8%
Utilities	0.2%	1.4%
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	12.3%
Basic Materials	-	1.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	7.7%
Energy	-	0.6%
Healthcare	-	4.2%
Industrials	-	2.8%
Real Estate	-	0.1%

Return for Risk

IBLC vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

IBLC

IBLC Risk / Return Rank: 33
IBLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
IBLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
IBLC Omega Ratio Rank: 33
IBLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
IBLC Martin Ratio Rank: 24

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 73
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 74
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 71

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

IBLC vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC) 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.

	IBLC	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.34	2.64	-1.29
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.92	3.45	-1.53
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.45	-0.22
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.64	3.51	-1.87
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	3.26	13.49	-10.23
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IBLC vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBLC Sharpe Ratio is 1.34, which is lower than the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBLC and QQQ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	IBLC	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.34	2.64	-1.29
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.81	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.99	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.40	0.41	-0.01

Drawdowns

IBLC vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBLC drawdown since its inception was -62.54%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBLC and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBLC	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.54%	-82.97%	+20.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-44.94%	-11.96%	-32.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-51.68%	-22.77%	-28.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.12%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.99%	-0.26%	-12.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.89%	-32.79%	+6.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	22.56%	3.11%	+19.45%

Volatility

IBLC vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF (IBLC) has a higher volatility of 14.67% compared to Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) at 4.49%. This indicates that IBLC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IBLC	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.67%	4.49%	+10.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	40.76%	12.10%	+28.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	54.94%	15.94%	+39.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	64.49%	22.38%	+42.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	64.49%	22.29%	+42.20%

IBLC vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBLC has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

IBLC vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

IBLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.77%, more than QQQ's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IBLC iShares Blockchain and Tech ETF	4.77%	6.31%	1.60%	1.79%	0.84%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.38%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBLC and QQQ in my portfolio?

IBLC and QQQ have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IBLC or QQQ?

IBLC has higher volatility (14.67%) compared to QQQ (4.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBLC dropped -62.54% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which ETF is better, IBLC or QQQ?

On 3-year performance, IBLC leads with 48.31% vs 28.78% for QQQ. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, QQQ has been the lower-risk option at 4.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBLC or QQQ?

Over the 3-year period, IBLC has performed better with a 48.31% return vs 28.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBLC or QQQ?

QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IBLC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IBLC or QQQ?

IBLC has the higher dividend yield at 4.77%, compared with 0.38% for QQQ.

What is the main difference between IBLC and QQQ?

IBLC is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while QQQ is Nasdaq-100. IBLC tracks ICE FactSet Global Blockchain Technologies Index, while QQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IBLC and 0.18% for QQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 1.34), 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.