CDL vs QQQ
VictoryShares US Large Cap High Div Volatility Wtd ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CDL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $404M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.07% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +17.04% | +17.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.76% | +26.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.21% | +26.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.18% | +15.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Victory Capital Management Inc. | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 7, 2015 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CDL vs QQQ Performance
VictoryShares US Large Cap High Div Volatility Wtd ETF (CDL) is a ETF from Victory Capital Management Inc. and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CDL returned +21.76% while QQQ returned +26.45%. Year to date, CDL is up 17.04% versus a gain of 17.85% for QQQ.
Over three years, CDL compounded at +15.21% per year against +26.07% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.18% and +15.16% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.09% annualized vs +9.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 15.0% for CDL. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -41.4% for CDL and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CDL charges 0.35% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $18 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CDL currently yields 3.07% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CDL and QQQ share 13 holdings out of 190 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CDL or QQQ?
CDL has an expense ratio of 0.35% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CDL or QQQ?
Over the past year CDL returned +21.76% vs +26.45% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), CDL annualized +9.56% vs +13.09% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CDL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.0% for CDL. Worst drawdown: CDL -41.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CDL and QQQ?
CDL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CDL and QQQ?
CDL and QQQ share 13 common holdings with a 6.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 190 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CDL or QQQ?
CDL yields 3.07% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so CDL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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