IMCG vs. QQQJ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IMCG (iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF) and QQQJ (Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds - IMCG tracks the Morningstar US Mid Cap Broad Growth Index while QQQJ tracks the NASDAQ Next Generation 100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IMCG returned 7.83%/yr vs 6.21%/yr for QQQJ. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IMCG charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for QQQJ.

Performance

IMCG vs. QQQJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IMCG) and Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF (QQQJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with IMCG having a 20.55% return and QQQJ slightly lower at 20.04%.

IMCG

• 1D: -1.53%
• 1M: 5.21%
• YTD: 20.55%
• 6M: 18.49%
• 1Y: 23.77%
• 3Y*: 18.73%
• 5Y*: 7.83%
• 10Y*: 14.83%

QQQJ

• 1D: -1.14%
• 1M: 2.22%
• YTD: 20.04%
• 6M: 17.68%
• 1Y: 41.94%
• 3Y*: 21.29%
• 5Y*: 6.21%
• 10Y*: —

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

IMCG vs. QQQJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
IMCG iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF	20.55%	6.55%	18.14%	20.73%	-25.79%	15.39%	11.17%
QQQJ Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF	20.04%	20.44%	15.36%	13.68%	-28.25%	9.76%	15.34%

Correlation

The correlation between IMCG and QQQJ is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 13, 2020	0.94

The correlation between IMCG and QQQJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

IMCG vs. QQQJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IMCG	QQQJ
Technology	34.9%	40.4%
Industrials	25.3%	11.1%
Consumer Cyclical	9.1%	11.3%
Financial Services	8.6%	2.0%
Healthcare	6.9%	18.7%
Basic Materials	4.3%	2.6%
Real Estate	3.1%	-
Utilities	2.5%	2.6%
Communication Services	2.4%	7.8%
Energy	1.7%	1.0%
Consumer Defensive	1.2%	2.6%

Return for Risk

IMCG vs. QQQJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

IMCG

IMCG Risk / Return Rank: 45
IMCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
IMCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
IMCG Omega Ratio Rank: 40
IMCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
IMCG Martin Ratio Rank: 54

QQQJ

QQQJ Risk / Return Rank: 72
QQQJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
QQQJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
QQQJ Omega Ratio Rank: 67
QQQJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
QQQJ Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

IMCG vs. QQQJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IMCG) and Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF (QQQJ). 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.

	IMCG	QQQJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.42	2.22	-0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	2.97	-0.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.38	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.35	3.56	-1.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.95	14.75	-5.80

IMCG vs. QQQJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IMCG Sharpe Ratio is 1.42, which is lower than the QQQJ Sharpe Ratio of 2.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IMCG and QQQJ, 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

IMCG vs. QQQJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IMCG drawdown since its inception was -58.96%, which is greater than QQQJ's maximum drawdown of -39.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IMCG and QQQJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	IMCG	QQQJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.96%	-39.57%	-19.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.17%	-11.84%	+1.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.92%	-22.46%	+0.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.08%	-39.57%	+4.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.08%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.53%	-3.24%	+1.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.20%	-15.62%	+6.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.66%	2.85%	-0.19%

Volatility

IMCG vs. QQQJ - Volatility Comparison

iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IMCG) and Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF (QQQJ) have volatilities of 7.43% and 7.18%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IMCG	QQQJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.43%	7.18%	+0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.09%	15.70%	-1.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.78%	19.00%	-2.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.37%	22.18%	-1.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.59%	22.11%	-1.52%

IMCG vs. QQQJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

IMCG has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than QQQJ's 0.15% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IMCG vs. QQQJ - Dividend Comparison

IMCG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.62%, more than QQQJ's 0.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IMCG iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF	0.62%	0.78%	0.78%	0.85%	0.91%	0.41%	0.09%	0.30%	0.35%	0.45%	0.52%	0.38%
QQQJ Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF	0.55%	0.85%	0.77%	0.67%	0.76%	0.91%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IMCG and QQQJ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, IMCG and QQQJ 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.

Which is riskier, IMCG or QQQJ?

IMCG has higher volatility (7.43%) compared to QQQJ (7.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IMCG dropped -58.96% vs QQQJ's -39.57%.

Which ETF is better, IMCG or QQQJ?

On 5-year performance, IMCG leads with 7.83% vs 6.21% for QQQJ. On fees, IMCG is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, QQQJ has been the lower-risk option at 7.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IMCG or QQQJ?

Over the 5-year period, IMCG has performed better with a 7.83% return vs 6.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IMCG or QQQJ?

IMCG is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for QQQJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IMCG or QQQJ?

IMCG has the higher dividend yield at 0.62%, compared with 0.55% for QQQJ.

What is the main difference between IMCG and QQQJ?

IMCG tracks Morningstar US Mid Cap Broad Growth Index, while QQQJ tracks NASDAQ Next Generation 100 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for IMCG and 0.15% for QQQJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs 1.42), 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.