CURE vs QQQ
Direxion Daily Healthcare Bull 3X ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. CURE delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CURE | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.94% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $181M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.12% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 67 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +16.66% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +78.91% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.72% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.18% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 15, 2011 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CURE vs QQQ Performance
Direxion Daily Healthcare Bull 3X ETF (CURE) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CURE returned +78.91% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, CURE is up 16.66% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, CURE compounded at +8.72% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +2.18% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, CURE has the edge at +24.52% annualized vs +13.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CURE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.9% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -69.2% for CURE 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CURE charges 0.94% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $94 vs $18 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CURE currently yields 1.12% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CURE and QQQ share 8 holdings out of 157 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CURE or QQQ?
CURE has an expense ratio of 0.94% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CURE or QQQ?
Over the past year CURE returned +78.91% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so CURE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), CURE annualized +24.52% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CURE or QQQ?
CURE has been the more volatile fund at 41.9% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: CURE -69.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CURE and QQQ?
CURE and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CURE and QQQ?
CURE and QQQ share 8 common holdings with a 3.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 157 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CURE or QQQ?
CURE yields 1.12% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so CURE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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