DALI vs QQQ
First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI Equity 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 | DALI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $97M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.38% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +1.67% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.84% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.61% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.84% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 14, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DALI vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI Equity ETF (DALI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DALI returned +7.84% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, DALI is up 1.67% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, DALI compounded at +4.61% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +3.84% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +5.51%. 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 16.9% for DALI. 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 -36.1% for DALI 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DALI charges 0.90% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $90 vs $18 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DALI currently yields 0.38% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DALI and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 110 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DALI or QQQ?
DALI has an expense ratio of 0.90% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DALI or QQQ?
Over the past year DALI returned +7.84% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DALI annualized +5.51% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DALI or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.9% for DALI. Worst drawdown: DALI -36.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DALI and QQQ?
DALI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DALI and QQQ?
DALI and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 110 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DALI or QQQ?
DALI yields 0.38% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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