DAK vs QQQ
Dakota Active Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. DAK offers more diversification with 170 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DAK | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.43% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $42M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.76% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 170 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +13.88% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.32% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Dakota | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 30, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DAK vs QQQ Performance
Dakota Active Equity ETF (DAK) is a ETF from Dakota and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DAK returned +20.32% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, DAK is up 13.88% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 12.2% for DAK. 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 -7.9% for DAK 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DAK charges 0.43% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $43 vs $18 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DAK currently yields 0.76% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DAK and QQQ share 31 holdings out of 210 unique holdings combined, representing a 32.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DAK or QQQ?
DAK has an expense ratio of 0.43% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DAK or QQQ?
Over the past year DAK returned +20.32% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DAK annualized +21.40% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DAK or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.2% for DAK. Worst drawdown: DAK -7.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DAK and QQQ?
DAK and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DAK and QQQ?
DAK and QQQ share 31 common holdings with a 32.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 210 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DAK or QQQ?
DAK yields 0.76% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so DAK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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