IETC vs. QQH

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

IETC (iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF) and QQH (HCM Defender 100 Index ETF) are both Technology Equities funds. IETC is actively managed, while QQH is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IETC returned 14.70%/yr vs 11.99%/yr for QQH. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IETC charges 0.18%/yr vs 1.14%/yr for QQH.

Performance

IETC vs. QQH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF (IETC) and HCM Defender 100 Index ETF (QQH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IETC achieves a 2.72% return, which is significantly lower than QQH's 6.07% return.

IETC

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: -3.85%
• YTD: 2.72%
• 6M: 0.67%
• 1Y: 13.47%
• 3Y*: 25.41%
• 5Y*: 14.70%
• 10Y*: —

QQH

• 1D: -0.63%
• 1M: -3.41%
• YTD: 6.07%
• 6M: 3.66%
• 1Y: 25.36%
• 3Y*: 21.53%
• 5Y*: 11.99%
• 10Y*: —

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

IETC vs. QQH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
IETC iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF	2.72%	19.56%	37.57%	54.35%	-32.78%	29.73%	46.59%	12.63%
QQH HCM Defender 100 Index ETF	6.07%	15.66%	33.64%	48.05%	-39.60%	37.52%	41.71%	15.09%

Correlation

The correlation between IETC and QQH is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 10, 2019	0.90

The correlation between IETC and QQH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

IETC vs. QQH — Risk / Return Rank

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

IETC

IETC Risk / Return Rank: 18
IETC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
IETC Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
IETC Omega Ratio Rank: 18
IETC Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
IETC Martin Ratio Rank: 17

QQH

QQH Risk / Return Rank: 32
QQH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
QQH Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
QQH Omega Ratio Rank: 32
QQH Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
QQH Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

IETC vs. QQH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF (IETC) and HCM Defender 100 Index ETF (QQH). 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.

	IETC	QQH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.59	1.11	-0.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.93	1.53	-0.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.20	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.64	1.57	-0.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.72	4.16	-2.44

IETC vs. QQH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IETC Sharpe Ratio is 0.59, which is lower than the QQH Sharpe Ratio of 1.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IETC and QQH, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

IETC vs. QQH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IETC drawdown since its inception was -38.48%, smaller than the maximum QQH drawdown of -41.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IETC and QQH.

Drawdown Indicators

	IETC	QQH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.48%	-41.87%	+3.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.19%	-16.18%	-5.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.17%	-24.84%	-0.33%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.48%	-41.87%	+3.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.83%	-8.11%	-3.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.14%	-12.87%	+4.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.83%	6.11%	+1.72%

Volatility

IETC vs. QQH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF (IETC) is 11.03%, while HCM Defender 100 Index ETF (QQH) has a volatility of 11.82%. This indicates that IETC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IETC	QQH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.03%	11.82%	-0.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.18%	17.75%	+0.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.84%	23.10%	-0.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.86%	22.01%	+2.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.49%	25.00%	+0.49%

IETC vs. QQH - Expense Ratio Comparison

IETC has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than QQH's 1.14% expense ratio.

Dividends

IETC vs. QQH - Dividend Comparison

IETC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.40%, more than QQH's 0.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
IETC iShares U.S. Tech Independence Focused ETF	0.40%	0.38%	0.52%	0.79%	0.92%	0.73%	0.48%	0.95%	1.27%
QQH HCM Defender 100 Index ETF	0.20%	0.21%	0.24%	0.27%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.21%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IETC and QQH in my portfolio?

IETC and QQH have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IETC or QQH?

QQH has higher volatility (11.82%) compared to IETC (11.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IETC dropped -38.48% vs QQH's -41.87%.

Which ETF is better, IETC or QQH?

On 5-year performance, IETC leads with 14.70% vs 11.99% for QQH. On fees, IETC is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, IETC has been the lower-risk option at 11.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IETC or QQH?

Over the 5-year period, IETC has performed better with a 14.70% return vs 11.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IETC or QQH?

IETC is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 1.14% for QQH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IETC or QQH?

IETC has the higher dividend yield at 0.40%, compared with 0.20% for QQH.

What is the main difference between IETC and QQH?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Howard Capital Management. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for IETC and 1.14% for QQH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.11 vs 0.59), 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.