INTL vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

INTL (Main International ETF) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - INTL is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Main Funds, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. INTL is actively managed, while QQQ is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, INTL returned 17.69%/yr vs 28.89%/yr for QQQ. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. INTL charges 1.04%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

INTL vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Main International ETF (INTL) 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, INTL achieves a 12.65% return, which is significantly lower than QQQ's 21.62% return.

INTL

• 1D: 0.80%
• 1M: 3.73%
• YTD: 12.65%
• 6M: 15.57%
• 1Y: 28.81%
• 3Y*: 17.69%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QQQ

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: 10.68%
• YTD: 21.62%
• 6M: 20.27%
• 1Y: 43.30%
• 3Y*: 28.89%
• 5Y*: 18.43%
• 10Y*: 21.97%

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

INTL vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
INTL Main International ETF	12.65%	29.55%	2.00%	18.20%	-2.66%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	21.62%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-8.76%

Correlation

The correlation between INTL and QQQ is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 5, 2022	0.67

The correlation between INTL and QQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

INTL vs. QQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	INTL	QQQ
Financial Services	23.7%	0.2%
Technology	15.3%	53.8%
Industrials	15.1%	2.8%
Basic Materials	9.1%	1.1%
Consumer Cyclical	8.0%	12.3%
Healthcare	6.5%	4.2%
Energy	6.1%	0.6%
Consumer Defensive	5.6%	7.7%
Communication Services	5.0%	15.8%
Utilities	3.3%	1.4%
Real Estate	2.2%	0.1%

Return for Risk

INTL vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

INTL

INTL Risk / Return Rank: 55
INTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
INTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
INTL Omega Ratio Rank: 57
INTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
INTL Martin Ratio Rank: 57

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 77
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 77
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

INTL vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Main International ETF (INTL) 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.

	INTL	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.89	2.73	-0.84
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.63	3.55	-0.92
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.47	-0.12
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	3.71	-1.13
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.23	14.30	-4.07
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

INTL vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current INTL Sharpe Ratio is 1.89, which is lower than the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of INTL 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

	INTL	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.89	2.73	-0.84
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.99	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.08	0.41	+0.67

Drawdowns

INTL vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum INTL drawdown since its inception was -14.48%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for INTL and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	INTL	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.48%	-82.97%	+68.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.51%	-11.96%	+0.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.48%	-22.77%	+8.29%
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	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.88%	-32.79%	+29.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.91%	3.11%	-0.20%

Volatility

INTL vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

Main International ETF (INTL) has a higher volatility of 5.36% compared to Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) at 4.48%. This indicates that INTL'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

	INTL	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.36%	4.48%	+0.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.01%	12.11%	+0.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.30%	15.95%	-0.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.50%	22.39%	-6.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.50%	22.30%	-6.80%

INTL vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

INTL has a 1.04% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

INTL vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

INTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.28%, more than QQQ's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
INTL Main International ETF	2.28%	2.57%	2.71%	2.86%	1.41%	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 INTL and QQQ in my portfolio?

INTL and QQQ have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, INTL or QQQ?

INTL has higher volatility (5.36%) compared to QQQ (4.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, INTL dropped -14.48% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which ETF is better, INTL or QQQ?

On 3-year performance, QQQ leads with 28.89% vs 17.69% for INTL. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, QQQ has been the lower-risk option at 4.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, INTL or QQQ?

Over the 3-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 28.89% return vs 17.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, INTL or QQQ?

QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 1.04% for INTL.

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

INTL has the higher dividend yield at 2.28%, compared with 0.38% for QQQ.

What is the main difference between INTL and QQQ?

INTL is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while QQQ is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: Main Funds and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 1.04% for INTL and 0.18% for QQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.73 vs 1.89), 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.