QQQJ vs. IMCG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

QQQJ (Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF) and IMCG (iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds - QQQJ tracks the NASDAQ Next Generation 100 Index while IMCG tracks the Morningstar US Mid Cap Broad Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, QQQJ returned 6.66%/yr vs 8.31%/yr for IMCG. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QQQJ charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for IMCG.

Performance

QQQJ vs. IMCG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with QQQJ having a 21.43% return and IMCG slightly higher at 22.43%.

QQQJ

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 3.40%
• YTD: 21.43%
• 6M: 18.32%
• 1Y: 44.44%
• 3Y*: 21.75%
• 5Y*: 6.66%
• 10Y*: —

IMCG

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 6.84%
• YTD: 22.43%
• 6M: 20.06%
• 1Y: 26.63%
• 3Y*: 19.34%
• 5Y*: 8.31%
• 10Y*: 15.00%

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

QQQJ vs. IMCG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
QQQJ Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF	21.43%	20.44%	15.36%	13.68%	-28.25%	9.76%	15.34%
IMCG iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF	22.43%	6.55%	18.14%	20.73%	-25.79%	15.39%	11.17%

Correlation

The correlation between QQQJ and IMCG is 0.90, 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	0.90
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 QQQJ and IMCG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

QQQJ vs. IMCG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

QQQJ vs. IMCG — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQJ

QQQJ Risk / Return Rank: 76
QQQJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
QQQJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
QQQJ Omega Ratio Rank: 72
QQQJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
QQQJ Martin Ratio Rank: 81

IMCG

IMCG Risk / Return Rank: 50
IMCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
IMCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
IMCG Omega Ratio Rank: 44
IMCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
IMCG Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

QQQJ vs. IMCG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	QQQJ	IMCG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.36	1.60	+0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.12	2.27	+0.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.28	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.77	2.63	+1.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.67	10.03	+5.64

QQQJ vs. IMCG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQJ Sharpe Ratio is 2.36, which is higher than the IMCG Sharpe Ratio of 1.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQJ and IMCG, 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

QQQJ vs. IMCG - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQJ	IMCG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.57%	-58.96%	+19.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.84%	-10.17%	-1.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.46%	-21.92%	-0.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.57%	-35.08%	-4.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.08%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.13%	0.00%	-2.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.63%	-9.21%	-6.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.84%	2.66%	+0.18%

Volatility

QQQJ vs. IMCG - Volatility Comparison

Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF (QQQJ) and iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IMCG) have volatilities of 7.13% and 7.22%, 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

	QQQJ	IMCG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.13%	7.22%	-0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.65%	13.99%	+1.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.99%	16.73%	+2.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.17%	20.36%	+1.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.11%	20.61%	+1.50%

QQQJ vs. IMCG - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

QQQJ vs. IMCG - Dividend Comparison

QQQJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%, more than IMCG's 0.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IMCG iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF	0.61%	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 QQQJ and IMCG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, QQQJ and IMCG 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, QQQJ or IMCG?

IMCG has higher volatility (7.22%) compared to QQQJ (7.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQJ dropped -39.57% vs IMCG's -58.96%.

Which ETF is better, QQQJ or IMCG?

On 5-year performance, IMCG leads with 8.31% vs 6.66% for QQQJ. On fees, IMCG is cheaper at 0.06% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQQJ or IMCG?

Over the 5-year period, IMCG has performed better with a 8.31% return vs 6.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQJ or IMCG?

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

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

QQQJ has the higher dividend yield at 0.75%, compared with 0.61% for IMCG.

What is the main difference between QQQJ and IMCG?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.36 vs 1.60), 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.