DARP vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. DARP delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: DARPMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDARPQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.75%0.18%
AUM$32M$455.8B
Dividend Yield0.33%0.41%
Holdings81108
YTD Return+26.99%+18.31%
1Y Return+51.68%+25.37%
3Y Return (annualized)+33.96%+25.79%
5Y Return (annualized)-+15.20%
Volatility (annualized)22.2%30.6%
Max Drawdown-30.3%-83.0%
Fund FamilyGrizzle Investment Management LLCInvesco (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionDec 17, 2021Mar 10, 1999

DARP vs QQQ Performance

Grizzle Growth ETF (DARP) is a ETF from Grizzle Investment Management LLC and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DARP returned +51.68% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, DARP is up 26.99% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.

Over three years, DARP compounded at +33.96% per year against +25.79% for QQQ. Across the full 3-year window we track, DARP has the edge at +33.96% annualized vs +13.10%. 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 22.2% for DARP. 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 -30.3% for DARP 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DARP charges 0.75% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $18 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DARP currently yields 0.33% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

33.4%overlap

DARP and QQQ share 14 holdings out of 127 unique holdings combined, representing a 33.4% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in DARPWeight in QQQDifference
GOOGL14.96%3.29%11.67%
NVDA10.31%7.88%2.43%
MU7.61%4.67%2.94%
AAPLProProPro
AMZNProProPro
MSFTProProPro
METAProProPro
TSLAProProPro
ASML:ASProProPro
AMATProProPro
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DARP or QQQ?

DARP has an expense ratio of 0.75% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DARP or QQQ?

Over the past year DARP returned +51.68% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so DARP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), DARP annualized +33.96% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DARP or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 22.2% for DARP. Worst drawdown: DARP -30.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both DARP and QQQ?

DARP and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DARP and QQQ?

DARP and QQQ share 14 common holdings with a 33.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 127 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DARP or QQQ?

DARP yields 0.33% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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