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IUSG vs QQQ
Which ETF would AI Choose? iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF (IUSG) vs. Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ)
Key Takeaways
- IUSG offers broader exposure to U.S. large- and mid-cap growth stocks through the S&P 900 Growth Index, while QQQ provides concentrated access to the Nasdaq-100 Index of 100 leading non-financial companies.
- IUSG maintains a significantly lower expense ratio of 0.04% compared to QQQ at 0.18%, enhancing long-term cost efficiency for buy-and-hold investors.
- Both ETFs exhibit heavy allocations to information technology and communication services sectors, but IUSG includes more holdings (approximately 390–400) for greater diversification than QQQ (approximately 100–105 holdings).
- Top holdings in both funds overlap substantially in mega-cap technology names such as NVDA, MSFT, and AAPL, driving similar performance dynamics in growth-oriented market environments.
- QQQ delivers superior liquidity and trading volume, making it preferable for active traders, whereas IUSG emphasizes lower costs and broader growth factor screening.
- In the current environment of technology sector momentum and innovation-driven growth, structural differences in index construction and fees position the ETFs as complementary rather than direct substitutes.
Introduction
Investors seeking growth-oriented equity exposure often compare IUSG and QQQ due to their shared emphasis on large-cap U.S. growth stocks, particularly in technology. These ETFs do not compete directly but offer alternative strategies targeting similar objectives: capturing innovation and earnings growth in dynamic sectors. IUSG delivers diversified large- and mid-cap growth via a multi-factor index, while QQQ concentrates on the Nasdaq-100 for thematic exposure to leading innovators. This comparison highlights structural distinctions relevant amid ongoing sector rotation and macroeconomic shifts influencing growth equities.
iShares Core S&P U.S. Growth ETF (IUSG) Overview
The IUSG ETF seeks to track the S&P 900 Growth Index, which selects U.S. large- and mid-cap companies based on metrics including above-average earnings and revenue growth. The fund holds approximately 390–400 securities and employs a passive, market-capitalization-weighted approach with quarterly rebalancing. Top holdings typically include NVDA (around 14%), MSFT (around 10%), AAPL (around 6.5%), and significant positions in GOOGL, AVGO, and META. Sector allocations feature heavy weighting in information technology (over 50%) and communication services, with additional exposure to consumer discretionary and financials. The expense ratio stands at 0.04%, reflecting its low-cost, rules-based structure managed by BlackRock. Distinguishing features include its focus on growth characteristics within a broader equity universe compared to narrower thematic indexes.
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) Overview
The QQQ ETF tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index, comprising the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq exchange. It maintains approximately 100–105 holdings in a passive, market-capitalization-weighted framework, with annual reconstitution and quarterly rebalancing. Prominent positions feature NVDA (around 8%), AAPL (around 7.8%), MSFT (around 6.2%), MU, AMZN, and AMD. Sector exposure concentrates in information technology (50–60%) and communication services, alongside consumer discretionary and healthcare. The expense ratio is 0.18%, and the fund is sponsored by Invesco. Key characteristics include its exclusion of financial companies and emphasis on innovative, high-growth Nasdaq-listed firms, supported by exceptional liquidity.
Industry and Thematic Backdrop
Both ETFs operate within the technology and innovation-driven growth equity landscape, influenced by advancements in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, semiconductors, and digital transformation. Macroeconomic factors such as interest rate expectations, corporate earnings cycles in mega-cap technology, and capital flows into high-growth sectors shape performance. Regulatory developments around antitrust scrutiny of large technology firms and global supply chain dynamics in semiconductors represent ongoing considerations. Sector risks include valuation compression during periods of elevated interest rates and heightened volatility tied to earnings surprises from dominant holdings. These elements create an environment favoring selective exposure to growth themes while underscoring the importance of cost and diversification in portfolio construction.
Performance and Positioning Comparison
In recent market cycles, both ETFs have demonstrated sensitivity to technology sector momentum and earnings growth from leading holdings, with IUSG benefiting from its broader inclusion of growth factors across more securities. QQQ has shown pronounced responsiveness to Nasdaq-specific trends and liquidity-driven trading activity. Relative positioning highlights IUSG’s edge in cost efficiency and diversification during extended growth periods, while QQQ offers tighter tracking to concentrated innovation themes and superior tradability. Volatility differences arise from QQQ’s narrower focus, potentially amplifying moves during sector rotations, whereas IUSG provides a smoother profile through its expanded holdings universe. These dynamics reflect broader shifts in investor preferences between diversified growth and thematic concentration.
AI Screener
Tickeron’s AI Screener is an AI-powered stock and ETF discovery tool that helps traders and investors filter the market based on technical patterns, fundamentals, trends, volatility, and AI-driven signals. Users can scan thousands of stocks and ETFs using customizable filters such as industry, market capitalization, technical indicators, price patterns, and performance metrics. The screener helps identify trade ideas, trending stocks, breakout candidates, and market opportunities more efficiently than manual screening. Investors seeking data-driven insights into ETFs like IUSG and QQQ can leverage this platform for enhanced analysis.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable structural factors, Tickeron’s AI would likely assign a modest probabilistic preference to IUSG in the current environment. Its substantially lower expense ratio, broader diversification across approximately 400 holdings, and multi-factor growth screening provide advantages in cost efficiency and risk mitigation relative to sector momentum. QQQ remains compelling for investors prioritizing liquidity and concentrated exposure to Nasdaq-100 innovators, though higher fees and narrower construction introduce comparatively elevated structural considerations. The assessment weighs these durable characteristics without constituting investment advice.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is IUSG is a Hold and QQQ is a Hold.
IUSG's RSI Oscillator climbs out of oversold territory
The RSI Indicator for IUSG moved out of oversold territory on October 26, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 24 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 22 of the 24 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 41 of 47 cases where IUSG's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 87%.
Following a +1.55% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where IUSG advanced for three days, in 309 of 365 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 85%.
IUSG may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 344 of 386 cases where IUSG Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 89%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on IUSG as a result. In 62 of 79 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 78%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for IUSG turned negative on October 14, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 49 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 41 of the 49 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 84%.
IUSG moved below its 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for IUSG crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 11 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 79%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where IUSG declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 77%.
QQQ in upward trend: price may ascend as a result of having broken its lower Bollinger Band on October 30, 2026
QQQ may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 39 of 39 cases where QQQ's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where QQQ's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 20 of 26 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 77%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 48 of 56 cases where QQQ's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 86%.
Following a +1.88% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where QQQ advanced for three days, in 310 of 365 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 85%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 315 of 352 cases where QQQ Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 89%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on QQQ as a result. In 69 of 84 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 82%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for QQQ turned negative on October 13, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 46 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 36 of the 46 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 78%.
QQQ moved below its 50-day moving average on October 29, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for QQQ crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 13 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 87%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where QQQ declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 81%.
| IUSG | QQQ | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 90% | 4 days ago 77% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 87% | 4 days ago 86% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 78% | 4 days ago 82% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 84% | 4 days ago 78% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 78% | 4 days ago 81% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 85% | 4 days ago 85% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 85% | 6 days ago 85% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 77% | 4 days ago 81% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 90% | 4 days ago 90% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 89% | 4 days ago 89% |
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IUSG and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, IUSG has been closely correlated with LRCX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 76% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if IUSG jumps, then LRCX could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To IUSG | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IUSG | 100% | -2.63% | ||
| LRCX - IUSG | 76% Closely correlated | -6.01% | ||
| NVDA - IUSG | 75% Closely correlated | -4.22% | ||
| AMAT - IUSG | 74% Closely correlated | -7.49% | ||
| QCOM - IUSG | 68% Closely correlated | -11.12% | ||
| ENTG - IUSG | 65% Loosely correlated | -3.51% | ||
More | ||||
| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| FISR | 24.95 | 0.09 | +0.36% |
| State Street Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF (FISR) | |||
| VBF | 14.64 | -0.02 | -0.14% |
| INVESCO | |||
| FLXN | 23.92 | -0.12 | -0.48% |
| Horizon Flexible Income ETF (FLXN) | |||
| IJT | 164.34 | -2.62 | -1.57% |
| iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF (IJT) | |||
| TERG | 19.22 | -3.33 | -14.75% |
| Leverage Shares 2X Long TER Daily ETF (TERG) | |||